l
Essential Idioms
in English
f
Phrasal Verbs and Collocations
i
'
i
FIFTH
EDIT.ION ··.
ROBERT J. DIXSON
longman.com
Essential Idioms in English: Phrasal Verbs and Collocations
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Dixson, Robert James.
Essential idioms in English I Robert J. Dixson.-New ed. [5th ed.]
p. cm
Includes index.
ISBN 0-13-141176-4
1. English language-Textbooks for foreign speakers. 2. English language-Idioms. I. Title.
PE1128.D513 2003
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2003044730
ISBN: 0-13-141176-4
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PREFACE ......................................................................................................................ix
SECTION 1: BEGINNING ..........................................................................................1
Lesson
1 ..................................................................................................................3
get in/get on ... get out of I get off . . . put on . . . take off
turn on . . . turn off . . . right away . . . pick up ...
sooner or later . . . get up . . . come up with . . . at first
Lesson 2 ................................................................................................................ 8
dress up . . . at last . . . as usual . . . find out . . . look at
look for . . . all right . . . all along . . . little by little ...
tire out . . . spend time . . . never mind
Lesson 3 ................................................................................................................13
pick out . . . take one's time . . . talk over . . . lie down .. .
stand up ... sit down ... all (day, week, month, year) long
by oneself . . . on purpose . . . get along (with) ...
make a difference (to) ... take out
Lesson 4 ..............................................................................................................18
take part in . . . at all . . . look up . . . wait on .. .
at least . . . so far . . . take a walk, hike, etc. . . . take a trip
try on . . . think over . . . take place . . . put away
Lesson 5 ..............................................................................................................23
look out . . . shake hands . . . get back . . . catch a cold .. .
get over . . . make up one's mind . . . change one's mind
for the time being . . . for good . . . call off . . . put off ...
in a hurry
Lesson 6 ..............................................................................................................28
hang out . . . hang up . . . count on . . . make friends .. .
out of order ... get to ... look over ... have (time) off
go on . . . put out . . . all of a sudden . . . ahead of time
Lesson 7 ..............................................................................................................33
point out . . . be up . . . be over . . . on time .. .
in time to . . . get better, worse, etc. . . . get sick, well, tired,
busy, wet, etc. . . . had better . . . would rather ...
call it a day/night . . . figure out . . . think of
Lesson 8 ..............................................................................................................38
be about to . . . turn around . . . take turns . . . pay attention
(to) ... brush up on ... over and over (again) ...
wear out . . . throw away . . . fall in love . . . go out (with) ...
go out . . . break up (with)
Contents Ill
Lesson 9 ..............................................................................................................43
wake up . . . be in charge of . . . as soon as .. .
have a good time . . . in no time . . . cut down on ...
crack down on . . . quite a few . . . used to . . . be used to
get used to . . . back and forth
Lesson 10 ............................................................................................................ 49
make sure . . . now and then . . . get rid of .. .
every other (one) ... go with ... first-rate .. .
come from . . . make good time . . . mix up .. .
see about . . . make an impression . . . by heart
Lesson 11 .............................................................................................................. 55
keep out . . . keep away (from) . . . find fault with .. .
be up to . . . ill at ease . . . do over . . . look into .. .
take hold of . . . get through . . . from now on ...
keep track of . . . get carried away
Lesson
12 ................................................................................................. ............. 61
up to date . . . out of date . . . blow up . . . catch fire .. .
burn down . . . burn up . . . burn out . . . stands to reason ...
break out . . . as for . . . for one thing . . . feel sorry for
Lesson
13 ................................................................................................. ........... 67
break down . . . turn out . . . once in a blue moon .. .
give up . . . cross out . . . take for granted ...
take into account . . . make clear . . . clear cut ...
have on . . . come to . . . call for
Section
1
Collocations ......................................................................................73
Review: Lessons 1-13
...................................................................................... 75
SECTION 2: INTERMEDIATE ..................................................................................81
Lesson 14 ............................................................................................................83
eat in I eat out . . . cut and dried . . . look after .. .
feel like . . . once and for all . . . hear from . . . hear of
make fun of . . . come true . . . as a matter of fact
have one's way . . . look forward to
Lesson 15 ............................................................................................................88
inside out . . . upside down . . . fill in . . . fill out .. .
take advantage of . . . no matter . . . take up .. .
take up with . . . take after . . . in the long run .. .
in touch . . . out of touch
Lesson 16 ............................................................................................................93
on one's toes . . . watch one's step .. .
watch what one says/does . . . see eye to eye ...
have in mind . . . keep in mind . . . for once . . . go off ...
grow out of . . . make the best of . . . cut off . . . cut out
IV Essential Idioms in English
Lesson 17 ............................................................................................................ 98
blow out . . . become of . . . shut up . . . have got .. .
have got to . . . keep up with . . . on the other hand .. .
turn down ... fifty-fifty ... break in ... a lost cause ...
above all
Lesson 18 ..........................................................................................................103
do without . . . according to . . . be bound to . . . for sure
take for . . . try out . . . tear down . . . tear up ...
go over . . . run out of . . . at heart . . . on hand
Lesson 19 ..........................................................................................................108
bite off . . . tell a part . . . all in all . . . pass out .. .
go around . . . be in the/one's way . . . put on . . . put up ...
put up with . . . in vain . . . day in and day out . . . catch up
Lesson 20 ............................................................................................................ 113
hold still . . . break the news . . . be the matter .. .
bring up . . . get lost . . . hold up . . . run away .. .
rule out . . . by far . . . see off . . . see out . . . no wonder
Lesson 21 ............................................................................................................ 118
go up . . .
take apart
be well-off
name after
go up to . . . hand in . . . in case .. .
. . . put together . . . be better off .. .
. . . take by surprise . . . stress out .. .
. . . hold on
Lesson 22 .......................................................................................................... 124
stop by ... drop (someone) a line ... give (someone) a call
come across . . . cross one's mind . . . stand for
stand a chance . . . look on . . . look up to
look down on . . . take off . . . pull off
Lesson 23 ..........................................................................................................130
make do . . . give birth to . . . close call . . .
get on one's nerves . . . put down . . . go for . . . be into ...
stay up . . . stay in . . . take over . . . show up . . . clean out
Lesson 24 ..........................................................................................................135
knock out . . . knock oneself out . . . carry out .. .
run into . . . set out . . . set out to . . . draw up
give and take . . . drop out of . . . believe in . . . cheer up
make sense
Lesson 25 ..........................................................................................................140
burst out . . . get away . . . get away with .. .
serve (someone) right . . . keep up . . . keep up with ...
stand out . . . let on . . . go wrong ...
meet (someone) halfway . . . check up on . . . stick up
Lesson 26 ..........................................................................................................146
come about . . . bring about . . . build up . . . die down
fade away . . . die out . . . make out . . . live up to ...
stick to . . . rip off . . . stand up for . . . cut corners
Contents
v
Lesson 27 ............................................................................................................ 151
take on . . . take down . . . fall through . . . fall behind .. .
give in . . . give off . . . give out . . . have it in for ...
have it out with . . . hold off . . . hold out . . . hold over
Section 2 Collocations ....................................................................................156
Review: Lessons 14-27 ..................................................................................158
SECTION 3: ADVANCED ........................................................................................163
Lesson 28 .......................................................................................................... 165
let up . . . lay off . . . bring out . . . bring back .. .
wait up for ... leave (someone or something) alone .. .
let alone . . . break off . . . wear off . . . wear down .. .
on the whole . . . touch and go
Lesson 29 ..........................................................................................................170
work out . . . back up . . . back out .. .
have one's heart set on . . . buy up . . . buy out ...
sell out . . . catch on . . . be cut out for . . . throw out
throw up . . . clear up
Lesson 30 .......................................................................................................... 175
slow down . . . dry up . . . dry out . . . be up to
(something) ... beat around the bush ... come to an end
put an end to . . . get even with . . . fool around ...
look out on . . . stir up . . . take in
Lesson 31 ............................................................................................................ 180
go through . . . go without saying . . . put (someone) on .. .
keep one's head . . . lose one's head . . . narrow-minded .. .
stand up . . . get the better of . . . break loose . . . on edge ...
waste one's breath . . . cut short
Lesson 32 .......................................................................................................... 185
step in . . . step down . . . step on it . . . a steal .. .
play up to . . . more or less . . . screw up . . . goof up ...
go off the deep end . . . lose one's touch . . . under control ...
drag one's heels/feet
Lesson 33 ..........................................................................................................190
kick (something) around ... on the ball ... make up .. .
make up with . . . pull together . . . be looking up ...
kick the habit . . . cover up . . . drop off . . . turn over ...
go through channels . . . last straw
Lesson 34 ..........................................................................................................195
get cold feet . . . trade in . . . face-to-face .. .
be with (someone) ... be with it ... fall for ...
it figures ... make (someone) tick ... cover for ...
give (someone) a break ... bow out ... stick it out
VI Essential Idioms in English
Lesson 35 ..........................................................................................................200
rub it in . . . rub the wrong way . . . get a rise out of
hang around ... pick up the tab . . . by the way .. .
let slide . . . search me . . . get off one's chest .. .
live it up . . . liven up . . . have a say in
Lesson 36 .......................................................................................................... 205
out of the question . . . have to do with . . . check in .. .
check out . . . take one at one's word ...
serve (the/one's) purpose . . . cop out . . . line up ...
lose one's cool ... leave open . . . miss the boat . . . think up
Lesson 37 ..........................................................................................................210
throw (someone) a curve ... make waves ... carry on .. .
not on your life . . . cover ground . . . throw the book at
put one's foot in . . . be up for grabs . . . show off
learn the ropes ... have under one's belt
keep (one's) fingers crossed
Lesson 38 ..........................................................................................................215
land on one's feet . . . dish out . . . get through to .. .
keep one's word . . . be in over one's head . . . ask for ...
be a far cry from . . . by all means . . . get out from under
take the bull by the horns ... give (someone) a hand ...
give (someone) a big hand
Lesson 39 ..........................................................................................................220
behind one's back . . . talk back to . . . be in . . . be out .. .
draw the line at . . . get out of line . . . dry run ...
play by ear ... be in (someone's) shoes ... keep after ...
fix up . . . be had
Section 3 Collocations ..................................................................................225
Review: Lessons 28-39 ................................................................................227
DICTIONARY SKILLS ..............................................................................................233
APPENDIX:
Equivalent Idioms in Spanish, French, and Portuguese ...................... 241
ANSWER KEY ..........................................................................................................265
INDEX ........................................................................................................................271
Contents VI I
PR
Idiomatic expressions have long played an important role in
the English language. In fact, the use of idioms is so
widespread that understanding these expressions is essential to
successful communication, whether in listening, speaking,
reading, or writing. The student may learn grammar and, with
time, acquire adequate vocabulary, but without a working
knowledge of such idioms as above all, to get along, on the
whole, to look up, and so on, even the best speech will remain
awkward and ordinary.
Teachers of English have long recognized that idiomatic
expressions add grace and exactness to the language. The alert
teacher will make their study an integral part of the teaching
process. Even so, learning such expressions is never an easy
task for the student learning English as a second or foreign
language. Attempts to translate literally from the student's
native tongue usually lead to roundabout expressions of
meaning and, more often, to confusion.
For this reason, the idioms, phrasal verbs, and collocations
included in this book have been selected because they are, for
the most part, basic to good English-and the book is called,
appropriately, Essential Idioms in English. Students are not
burdened with a discussion of the origins of idioms, nor is
there an attempt to define the exact nature of an idiom except
to point out that as a phrase it has a meaning different from
the meanings of its individual parts. (This essential
characteristic is one reason why it is often difficult to translate
an idiom from one language to another without incurring some
change in meaning or usage.)
Our hope is that experienced ESL and EFL teachers will agree,
for the most part, with the selection of idioms in this text. This
edition has been updated to include current idioms, and older
usages have been dropped. But every selection, no matter how
careful, is necessarily arbitrary, because the range is so great.
Our intent is to provide a useful learning and reference tool for
students who want to speak appropriate, contemporary
English.
Preface IX
NEW TO THIS EDITION
This new edition of a classic text retains its original threesection format: Beginning (Lessons 1-13 ), Intermediate
(Lessons 14-27), and Advanced (Lessons 28-39). New idioms
have of course been included, and outdated idioms have been
removed throughout. Lessons in all sections review and build
upon idioms introduced in earlier lessons. In some cases, notes
that explain special usage or meaning are provided after the
definitions, and related idiomatic forms are listed. The wide
assortment of exercises provides variety in the activities from
one section to another.
Essential Idioms has always included two-word, or phrasal,
verbs in the general category of idioms. A phrasal verb is one
whose meaning is altered by the addition of a particle (a
preposition used with a verb to form an idiomatic expression.)
To look, for example, may become to look up or to look over,
each having its own special meaning. When a phrasal verb can
be separated by a noun or pronoun, the symbol (S) for
separable is inserted in the definition. Sentences illustrating
both separable and nonseparable forms are included in the
examples.
In this edition, students will also find collocations included in
each section. Collocations are words that tend to be used
together, not based on rules of grammar, but rather based on
traditional patterns of usage by native speakers. Collocations
can occur in a number of different patterns. Among the most
common are adjective +noun (shining star, heavy breathing),
verb + noun (take a bus, deliver a baby), and verb + adverb
(fully document). The addition of collocations reflects the
growing interest in these unique word patterns in secondlanguage study.
As in the previous edition, this edition includes an Appendix
that lists equivalent idioms in French and Spanish, and we have
added Portuguese in this edition as well. We hope this will
X Essential Idioms in English
make Essential Idioms especially useful to native speakers of
these languages and will provide students with a surer grasp of
English idioms and greater confidence in using them.
Finally, also new to this edition is a section on Dictionary
Skills, which includes a brief set of activities designed to
provide students with strategies for using one of their primary
language-learning tools.
Overall, this classic text continues to provide an outstanding,
comprehensive introduction to idiomatic English for learners at
all levels.
Preface XI
SECTION 1
Beginning
Lesson
to get in/to get on: to enter or to board a vehicle
To get in is used for cars; to get on is used for all
other forms of transportation.
It's easiest to get in the car from the
driver's side. The door on the other side
doesn't work well.
I always get on the bus to work at 34th
Street.
to get out of/to get off: to leave or to descend from a vehicle
To get out of is used for cars; to get off is used for all other forms of transportation.
Why don't we stop and get out of the car for a while?
Helen got off the train at the 42nd Street terminal.
to put on: to place on oneself (usually said of clothes) (S)*
Mary put on her coat and left the room.
Put your hat on before you leave the house.
to take off: to remove (usually said of clothes) (S)
John took off his jacket as he entered the office.
Take your sweater off The room is very warm.
*The symbol (5) indicates that on idiom is separable-that a noun or noun phrase may be
placed between the verb and the special preposition (called a particle). In these cases,
examples of both separable and inseparable forms are given. See the index, page 271, for
further details.
SECTION 1
Beginning
3
to turn on: to start or cause to function (also: to switch on) (S)
Please turn on the light; it's too dark in here.
Do you know who turned the air conditioning on?
to turn off: to cause to stop functioning (also: to switch off, to shut off) (S)
Turn on and turn off, as well as their related forms, are used for things that flow,
such as electricity, water, gas, etc.
Please turn off the light when you leave the room.
Are you really listening to the radio, or should I turn it off?
right away: very soon; immediately (also: at once)
Dad says that dinner will be ready right away, so we'd better wash our
hands and set the table.
Tell Will to come to my office right away. I must see him immediately.
Stop playing that loud music at once!
to pick up: to lift with one's fingers or hands (S); to retrieve or collect (S);
to learn (S)
Harry picked up the newspaper that was on the front doorstep.
Lucia was so busy that she forgot to pick her son up from school.
Margot picks up math easily, but she is not good at reading.
sooner or later: eventually, after a period of time
If you study English seriously, sooner or later you'll become fluent.
I'm too tired to do my homework now; I'm sure I'll do it sooner or later.
4 Essential Idioms in English
to get up: to arise, to rise from a bed; to make someone arise (S)
For the last definition a noun phrase must separate the verb and particle.
Carla gets up at seven o'clock every morning.
At what time should we get the children up tomorrow?
to come up with: to find, to discover
After worrying for days, I finally came up with a solution to my problem.
Even though Kwan doesn't have a job, he always comes up with enough
money to pay his bills.
at first: in the beginning, originally
At first English was difficult for him, but later he made great progress.
I thought at first that it was Sheila calling, but then I realized that it was
Beth.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized word
or words in each sentence below.
1.
His alarm clock is always set for six o'clock. He arises at the same time
every day.
a. turns off
b. gets up
c. puts on
2.
It's 4 P.M. now, and this important letter must be mailed today. Can you
take it to the post office immediately?
a. at first
b. right away
c. sooner or later
SECTION 1
Beginning
5
3.
Be sure to switch off the light before you leave the house.
a. to turn off
b. to take off
c. to get off
4. Pat placed her new hat on her head while looking in the mirror.
a. picked up
b. put on
c. gets on
5. Remove your jacket and sit down for a few minutes.
a. Turn on
b. Get on
c. Take off
6.
I want to stay single for a while, but I hope to get married eventually.
a. sooner or later
b. right away
c. at first
7.
In the beginning I thought that golf was boring, but I like it now.
a. To get on
b. At once
c. At first
8.
He boarded the bus at Broadway and 79th Street.
a. got off
b. got on
c. picked up
6
Essential Idioms in English
9.
John took the pencil and began to write a note.
a. turned on
b. got off
c. picked up
10.
Eli finally found a great topic for his history report.
a. got up
b. came up with
c. put on
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
Every morning, Jean's alarm clock makes a loud ringing noise. She
the alarm clock immediately after it rings, but
she doesn't get out of bed
. She waits a few
minutes before she
Jean would like to stay in bed all morning, but
she has to get up. Then she
the bedroom light
and goes to her closet. She
her pajamas and
her work clothes.
SECTION 1
Beginning
7
Lesson
to dress up: to wear formal clothes, to dress very nicely
e
We should definitely dress up to go to the theater.
You don't have to dress up for Mike's party.
at last: finally, after a long time
We waited for hours and then the train arrived at last.
Now that I am sixteen, at last I can drive my parents' car.
as usual: as is the general case, as is typical
George is late for class as usual. This seems to happen every day.
As usual, Dora received first prize in the swimming contest. It's the third
consecutive year that she has won.
to find out: get information about, to determine (S)
This idiom is separable only when a pronoun is used, as in the second example.
Will you please try to find out what time the airplane arrives?
I'll call right now to find it out.
to look at: give one's attention to; to watch
The teacher told us to look at the board and not at our books.
I like to walk along a country road at night and look at the stars.
to look for: to try to find, to search for
An adverb phrase such as all over can be put between the verb and preposition, as
in the second example. However, the idiom cannot be separated by a noun or
pronoun.
He's spent over an hour looking for the pen that he lost.
8
Essential Idioms in English
There you are! We've looked all over for you.
all right: acceptable, fine; yes, okay
This idiom can also be spelled alright in informal usage.
G
He said that it would be all right to wait in her office until she returned.
G
Do you want me to turn off the TV? Alright, if you insist.
all along: all the time, from the beginning (without change)
G She knew all along that we'd never agree with his plan.
Did you know all along that I'd give you a birthday present, or were you
surprised?
little by little: gradually, slowly (also: step by step)
Karen's health seems to be improving little by little.
G
If you study regularly each day, step by step your vocabulary will increase.
to tire out: to make very weary due to difficult conditions or hard effort
(also: to wear out) (S)
G
The hot weather tired out the runners in the marathon.
G
Does studying for final exams wear you out? It makes me feel worn out!
to spend time: to do an activity over a period of time (S)
Adrian would rather spend time watching TV than doing homework.
I spent too much time getting ready this morning, so I was late for work.
never mind: don't be concerned about it; ignore what was just said
G
When he spilled his drink on my coat, I said, "Never mind. It needs to be
cleaned anyway."
G
So you weren't listening to me again. Never mind; it wasn't important.
SECTION 1
Beginning
9
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
Emily is trying to find the purse that she lost yesterday.
a. finding out
b. looking at
c. looking for
2.
As is typical, Doug is late for the meeting.
a. At last
b. All along
c. As usual
3.
Were you able to determine what his occupation is?
a. to find out
b. to pick up (Lesson 1)
c. to spend time
4.
I am very weary after all that physical exercise today.
a. turned off (Lesson 1)
b. tired out
c. never mind
5.
Samuel was upset earlier, but he is fine now.
a. tired out
b. as usual
c. all right
10
Essential Idioms in English
6.
John's mother knew that he wasn't telling the truth from the beginning.
a. all along
b. all right
c. little by little
7.
Eventually, Mario will be able to speak English better than he does now.
a. Never mind
b. Sooner or later (Lesson 1)
c. At last
8.
Is it okay for Mary to borrow our car for a few hours?
a. right away (Lesson 1)
b. all right
c. step by step
9.
Would you please give your attention to me while I'm talking?
a. dress up
b. look at
c. wear out
10.
They waited for forty-five minutes until finally the server brought their
food.
a. at last
b. little by little
c. at first (Lesson 1)
SECTION 1
Beginning
11
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
Boe:
Jim, should we - - - - - - - - for the party tonight?
JIM:
No, casual clothes are fine. I'm _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ my shoes.
Have you seen them?
Boe:
No. Did you check that closet by the front door?
JIM:
Of course I did! Gosh, my legs hurt. I'm really
- - - - - - - - from playing so much soccer today.
Boe:
What did you say?
JIM:
Oh, - - - - - - - - · It wasn't important.
BOB:
Sorry, I was - - - - - - - - the newspaper. There's
another article about the robbery.
JIM:
Have the police _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ who stole the million
dollars?
Boe:
No, they haven't. But they have _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ a lot of
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ looking for him.
12
JIM:
Hey, I just found my shoes! They were in that closet
Boe:
I told you so!
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to pick out: to choose, to select (S)
Q Ann picked out a good book to give to her brother as a graduation gift.
Q Johnny, if you want me to buy you a toy, then pick one out now.
to take one's time: to do without rush, not to hurry
This idiom is often used in the imperative form. (See the first example.)
Q There's no need to hurry doing those exercises. Take your time.
Q William never works rapidly. He always takes his time in everything that
he does.
to talk over: to discuss or consider a situation with others (S)
Q We talked over our ideas about redecorating the room, but we couldn't
reach a decision.
Q Before I accepted the new job offer, I talked the matter over with my wife.
to lie down: to place oneself in a flat position,
to recline
Q If you are tired, why don't you lie down
for an hour or so?
Q The doctor says that Grace must lie down
and rest for a short time every afternoon.
to stand up: to rise from a sitting or lying position (also:
to get up)
Q When the president entered the room, everyone stood up.
Q Don't just sit there. Get up and help me clean the house!
SECTION 1
Beginning
13
to sit down: to be seated (also: to take a seat, to have a seat)
We sat down on the park bench and watched the children play.
There aren't any more chairs, but you can take a seat on the floor.
Please have a seat. The program will be starting soon.
all (day, week, month, year) long: the entire day, week, month, year
I've been working on my income tax forms all day long. I've hardly had
time to eat.
It's been raining all week long. We haven't seen the sun since last Monday.
by oneself: alone, without assistance
Francis translated that French novel by himself. No one helped him.
Paula likes to walk through the woods by herself, but her brother prefers to
walk with a companion.
on purpose: for a reason, deliberately
This idiom is usually used when someone does something wrong or unfair.
Do you think that she didn't come to the meeting on purpose?
It was no accident that he broke my glasses. He did it on purpose.
to get along (with): to associate or work well (with)
Terry and her new roommate don't get along; they argue constantly.
Adrienne has a hard time at school because she doesn't get along with her
biology professor.
to make a difference (to): to be of importance (to), to affect (also: to matter to) (S)
These idioms are often used with adjectives to show the degree of importance.
It makes a big difference to me whether he likes the food I serve.
14
Essential Idioms in English
0
Does it make any difference to you where we go for dinner?
No, it doesn't matter to me. It matters a lot to Liza, though. She's a
vegetarian.
to take out: to remove, to extract (S); to go on a date with (S) (also: go out (with))
O
Students, take out your books and open them to page twelve.
0
Did you take Sue out last night?
0
No, she couldn't go out with me.
EXERCISES
Al
'J
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
I think that you should remove the last two sentences in the paragraph.
a. take out
b. pick out
c. talk over
2.
If you don't hurry in completing your schoolwork, you'll do a better job.
a. get off (Lesson 1)
b. lie down
c. take your time
3. Does it affect you if I work late tonight?
a. get along with
b. make a difference to
c. pick out
SECTION 1
Beginning
15
4.
I don't like to go to the movies alone.
a. as usual (Lesson 2)
b. by myself
c. on purpose
5.
Do you have a moment to try to find my keys with me?
a. to talk over
b. to look for (Lesson 2)
c. to get up
6.
The child said that she didn't break the window deliberately.
a. on purpose
b. all day long
c. making a difference
7.
Did you go on a date with your new girlfriend again today?
a. matter to
b. stand up
c. go out with
8.
It's cold outside; you'd better place a sweater on yourself.
a. sit down
b. put on (Lesson 1)
c. take out
9.
Fortunately, Marie is associating well with her new co-workers.
a. tiring out (Lesson 2)
b. talking over
c. getting along with
16
Essential Idioms in English
10.
Don't sit on the dirty ground like that; rise right now!
a. get up
b. lie down
c. sit down
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
JEAN:
Hi, Pete. Did you come _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ?
PETE:
Yes, Sarah couldn't come. She's at the dentist's office.
JEAN:
Oh? Why is that?
PETE:
The dentist has to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ one of her teeth. It has
been hurting _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ week _ _ _ _ _ _ __
JEAN:
That's too bad. Well, I'm glad you're early.
PETE:
Why? I didn't come early _ _ _ _ _ _ __
JEAN:
I know, but now we have time to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that
problem regarding the new employee.
PETE:
You mean the woman who doesn't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ her
co-workers?
JEAN:
Exactly. But please, take off your coat first and
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ on the couch.
PETE:
Thanks.
SECTION 1
Beginning
17
;Lesson
to take part in: to be involved in, to participate in (also: to be in on)
•
Martin was sick and could not take part in the meeting yesterday.
•
I didn't want to be in on their argument, so I remained silent.
at all: to any degree (also: in the least)
This idiom is used with the negative to add emphasis to a statement.
•
Larry isn't at all shy about expressing his opinions.
•
When I asked Donna whether she was tired, she said, "Not in the least. I'm
full of energy."
to look up: to locate information in a directory, dictionary, book, etc. (S)
•
Elena suggested that we look up the store's telephone number on the
Internet.
•
Students should try to understand the meaning of a new word from context
before looking the word up in the dictionary.
to wait on: to serve in a store or restaurant
•
A very pleasant young clerk waited on me in that shop.
•
The restaurant server asked us, "Has anyone waited on you yet?"
at least: a minimum of, no fewer (or less) than
18
•
I spend at least two hours every night studying.
•
Mike drinks at least a quart of water every day.
Essential Idioms in English
so far: until now, until the present time (also: up to now, as of yet)
This idiom is usually used with the present perfect tense.
So far, this year has been excellent for business. I hope that the good luck
continues.
How many idioms have we studied in this book up to now?
As of yet, we have not had an answer from him.
to take a walk, hike, etc.: to go for a walk, hike, etc.
A hike involves challenging, strenuous walking, usually up a hill or mountain.
Last evening we took a walk around the park.
Let's take a hike up Cowles Mountain this afternoon.
to take a trip: to go on a journey, to travel
I'm so busy at work that I have no time to take a trip.
G During the summer holidays, the Thompsons took a trip to Europe.
to try on: to wear clothes to check the style or fit before buying (S)
G He tried on several suits before he picked out a blue one.
Why don't you try these shoes on next?
to think over: to consider carefully before deciding (S)
I'd like to think over your offer first. Then can we talk it over tomorrow?
You don't have to give me your decision now. Think it over for a while.
to take place: to occur, to happen according to plan
The regular meetings of the committee take place in Constitution Hall.
G I thought that the celebration was taking place at John's house.
SECTION 1
Beginning
19
to put away: to remove from sight, to put in the proper place (S)
Please put away your papers before you open the test booklet.
John put the notepad away in his desk when he was finished with it.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
You'll have to locate his number in the telephone book.
a. to think over
b. to wait on
c. to look up
2.
Let's go on a challenging walk in the mountains this weekend.
a. take a hike
b. take a trip
c. take part in
3.
You ought to spend a minimum of an hour outside in the fresh air.
a. in the least
b. as usual (Lesson 2)
c. at least
4.
Would you like me to help you choose a new dress for the dance?
a. pick out (Lesson 3)
b. try on
c. put away
20 Essential Idioms in English
5.
I've always wanted
to journey to Alaska during the summer.
a. to take a walk
b. to take a trip
c. to take a hike
6.
It took a long time for the store clerk to serve us.
a. to call on (Lesson 2)
b. to take part in
c. to wait on
7.
I don't enjoy house cleaning to
any degree.
a. at all
b. up to now
c. at last (Lesson 2)
8.
Our guest will arrive soon; please remove your dirty clothes
from sight.
a. try on
b. put away
c. get off (Lesson 1)
9.
I'll switch on the light so that we can see better in here.
a. be in on
b. turn on (Lesson 1)
c. try on
10.
James didn't want
to be involved in the preparations for the conference.
a. to take part in
b. to take place
c. to try on
SECTION 1 Beginning
21
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
MARA:
Where's the store clerk?
KIM:
I don't know. It's taking her too long to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ us.
MARA:
I don't like the service in this store _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . I feel
like leaving right now.
KIM:
Don't do that. How many dresses have you tried on
________ ?
MARA:
Oh, I've tried on about eight dresses.
KIM:
Well, after all that time and effort, you should buy
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ one, don't you think?
MARA:
No, never mind. I'm so upset that I need to
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ outside in the fresh air.
KIM:
Mara, I think that you're making the wrong decision. This is
really a nice dress at a great price. You should
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it _ _ _ _ _ _ __
MARA:
Well ... I guess a few more minutes of waiting won't make
a difference.
22
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to look out: to be careful or cautious (also: to watch out)
Both of these idioms can occur with the preposition for.
"Look out!" Jeffrey cried as his friend almost stepped in front of a car.
Look out for reckless drivers whenever you cross the street.
9
Small children should always watch out for strangers
offering candy.
to shake hands: to exchange greetings by clasping
hands
9
When people meet for the first time, they
usually shake hands.
9
The student warmly shook hands with his
old professor.
to get back: to return (S)
9
Mr. Harris got back from his business trip to Chicago this morning.
Could you get the children back home by five o'clock?
to catch a cold: to become sick with a cold of the nose or throat (S)
O If you go out in this rain, you will surely catch a cold.
O Every winter I catch a terrible cold.
to get over: to recover from an illness; to accept a loss or sorrow
O It took me over a month to get over my cold, but I'm finally well now.
O It seems that Mr. Mason will never get over the death of his wife.
SECTION 1
Beginning 23
to make up one's mind: to reach a decision, to decide finally
e
Sally is considering several colleges to attend, but she hasn't made up her
mind yet.
When are you going to make up your mind about your vacation plans?
to change one's mind: to alter one's decision or opinion
We have changed our minds and are going to Canada instead of California
this summer.
Matthew has changed his mind several times about buying a new car.
for the time being: temporarily (also: for now)
For the time being, Janet is working as a waitress, but she really hopes
become an actress soon.
to
We're living in an apartment for now, but soon we'll be looking for a house
to buy.
for good: permanently, forever
e
Ruth has returned to Canada for good. She won't ever live in the United
States again.
Are you finished with school for good, or will you continue your studies
some day?
to call off: to cancel (S)
The referee called off the soccer game because of the darkness.
The president called the meeting off because she had to leave town.
to put off: to postpone (S)
e
e
24
Many students put off doing their assignments until the last minute.
Let's put the party off until next weekend, okay?
Essential Idioms in English
in a hurry: hurried, rushed (also: in a rush)
9
Alex seems in a hurry; he must be late for his train again.
9
She's always in a rush in the morning to get the kids to school.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
Will you return in time for dinner or will you be home late tonight?
a. put off
b. get back
c. take place (Lesson 4)
2.
It took me a long time to recover from the sadness of losing my dog.
a. to get over
b. to look out
c. to change my mind
3.
After reading a lot of articles, she finally discovered some interesting facts
about the case.
a. got up
b. turned on
c. came up with
4. James has tried to quit smoking before, but this time he wants to quit
forever.
a. for the time being
b. for good
c. in a hurry
SECTION 1
Beginning
25
5.
At the last moment, Judy altered her decision about getting married so
quickly.
a. changed her mind
b. made up her mind
c. never mind (Lesson 2)
6. Judy wanted to postpone the wedding for another two or three months.
a. to call off
b. to put off
c. to turn off (Lesson 1)
7.
I'd like you to put those toys in the proper place before they get broken.
a. to put away (Lesson 4)
b. to take out (Lesson 3)
c. to look out
8.
If you don't wear a sweater in this cold weather, you'll become sick.
a. get over
b. catch a cold
c. tire out (Lesson 2)
9.
I still have a lot of work to do, but I feel like stopping temporarily.
a. in a hurry
b. to shake hands
c. for now
10.
If you don't be careful, you'll cut your hands on that sharp knife.
a. look up (Lesson 4)
b. watch out
c. make up your mind
26
Essential Idioms in English
R\
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
~ this lesson.
TODD:
Mark! I was wondering when you would _ _ _ _ _ _ __
home!
MARK:
Sorry, Todd. I had a late meeting today. I left
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to catch the bus home, but I missed it.
TODD:
That's too bad. Hey, do you think I should go to a movie tonight
with Sheila, or not? I can't _ _ _ _ _ _ __
MARK:
What do you mean? You haven't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ your
cold yet, have you?
TODD:
No, I haven't, but I feel much better.
MARK:
I think that you only feel better _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ because
you stayed home all day.
TODD:
I guess you're right. Do you think that I should
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ going with her until another time?
MARK:
That would be my advice.
SECTION 1
Beginning
27
Lesson
to hang out: to spend time, usually being idle or unproductive
e
e
Luka likes to hang out and play video games with his friends.
I spent all weekend hanging out at home. I didn't do anything exciting.
to hang up: to place clothes on a hook or hanger (S}; to replace the receiver on the
phone at the end of a conversation (S}
e
e
Would you like me to hang up your coat for you in the closet?
The operator told me to hang the phone up and call the number again.
to count on: to trust someone in time of need (also: to depend on)
e
e
I can count on my parents to help me in an emergency.
Don't depend on Frank to lend you any money; he doesn't have any.
to make friends: to become friendly with others
e
e
Patricia is a shy girl and doesn't make friends easily.
During the cruise Ronald made friends with almost everyone on the ship.
out of order: not in working condition
e
The elevator was out of order, so we had to walk to the tenth floor of the
building.
e
We couldn't use the soft drink machine because it was out of order.
to get to: to be able to do something special; to arrive at a place, such as home,
work, etc.
For the second definition, do not use the preposition
to with the words home or
there.
e
28
The children got to stay up late and watch a good movie for the family.
Essential Idioms in English
O
I missed the bus and couldn't get to the office until ten o'clock.
0
When are you planning to get home tonight?
to look over: to examine, to inspect closely (also: to go over, to read over,
to check over) (S)
Go over is different from the other forms because it is not separable.
0
I want to look my homework over again before I give it to the teacher.
0
The politician went over his speech before the important presentation.
0
You should never sign any legal paper without checking it over first.
to have (time) off: to have free time, not to have to work (also: to take time off (S))
The related form (S) to take time off is used when someone makes a decision to
have free time, usually to go on vacation or to relax.
0
Every morning the company workers have time off for a coffee break.
0
Several workers took the afternoon off to go to a baseball game.
to go on: to happen; to resume, to continue (also: to keep on)
0
Many people gathered near the accident to see what was going on.
0
The moderator tried to interrupt him, but he went on for another ten
minutes.
0
The speaker kept on talking even though most of the audience had left.
to put out: to extinguish (S)
0
No smoking is allowed in here. Please put out your cigarette.
0
The fire fighters worked hard to put the brush fire out.
SECTION 1
Beginning
29
all of a sudden: suddenly, without warning (also: all at once)
•
All of a sudden Ed appeared at the door. We weren't expecting him to
drop by.
•
All at once Millie got up and left the house without any explanation.
ahead of time: before a scheduled time or event
•
I knew ahead of time that Craig was coming to dinner, so I cooked
extra food.
•
If you take time off of work, you should tell your boss ahead of time.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The businessman
inspected the contract carefully before signing it.
a. looked over
b. looked out (Lesson 5)
c. counted on
2.
What's
happening, John? The smoke alarm is ringing but there's no fire!
a. putting out
b. going on
c. hanging up
3.
The dark clouds rolled in quickly and it began to rain
a. all along (Lesson 2)
b. out of order
c. all of a sudden
30
Essential Idioms in English
without warning.
4.
When do you think that we'll arrive at the hotel this evening?
a. get on (Lesson 1)
b. go on
c. get to
5.
I'm busy this week, but I hope to
have time free next week.
a. to take my time (Lesson 3)
b. to have time off
c. to check over
6.
Gradually I'm learning how to play tennis, thanks to my patient instructor.
a. Little by little (Lesson 2)
b. All at once
c. In a hurry (Lesson 5)
7.
It's nice to know that I can
trust you to help me when I need it.
a. count on
b. look over
c. make friends
8.
The phone is making noise because you forgot
to replace the receiver.
a. to go over
b. to take place (Lesson 4)
c. to hang up
9. After school, Ben likes to spend time with his girlfriend.
a. go on
b. hang out
c. hang up
SECTION 1
Beginning
31
10.
The students were happy because they
were able to leave class early.
a. took time off to
b. went on
c. got to
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
TINA:
Hi, Jessica, it's Tina. I've got great news!
,
JESSICA:
TINA:
tell me what it is.
Well, I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ some extra _ _ _ _ _ _ __
from work, so I'm going to a beach resort next week. Do you
want to come?
JESSICA:
I'd love to, but I can't go on vacation _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ like
that. I have to tell my boss ahead of time.
TINA:
That's too bad. It would have been fun to _ _ _ _ _ _ __
together in the sun.
JESSICA:
Yeah, but I'm sure you will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with all the
other people there.
TINA:
I sure hope so. Well, I have to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ now. I've
got to start packing for my trip. Good bye!
32
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to point out: to show, to indicate, to bring to one's attention (S)
9
What important buildings did the tour guide point out to you?
9
The teacher pointed out the mistakes in my composition.
9
A friend pointed the famous actor out to me.
to be up: to expire, to be finished
This idiom is used only with the word
time as the subject.
9
"The time is up," the teacher said at the end of the test period.
9
We have to leave the tennis court because our hour is up; some other people
want to use it now.
to be over: to be finished, to end (also: to be through)
This idiom is used for activities and events.
9
After the dance was over, we all went to a restaurant.
9
The meeting was through ten minutes earlier than
everyone expected.
on time: exactly at the correct time, punctually
9
I thought that Margaret would arrive late, but
she was right on time.
9
Did you get to work on time this morning,
or did rush hour traffic delay you?
in time to: before the time necessary to do something
9
We entered the theater just in time to see the beginning
of the movie.
9
The truck was not able to stop in time to prevent an accident.
SECTION 1
Beginning
33
to get better, worse, etc.: to become better, worse, etc.
This idiom is often used with adjectives such as any and much.
Heather has been sick for a month, but now she is getting better.
I hope the economy doesn't get any worse than it is now.
to get sick, well, tired, busy, wet, etc.: to become sick, well, tired, busy, wet, etc.
This idiom consists of a combination of get and various adjectives.
Ilhan got sick last week and has been in bed since that time.
Every afternoon I get very hungry, so I eat a snack.
had better: should, ought to, be advisable to
This idiom is most often used in contracted form (I'd better).
I think you'd better speak to Mr. White right away about this matter.
The doctor told the patient that he'd better go home and rest.
would rather: prefer to (also: would just as soon)
Would you rather have the appointment this Friday or next Monday?
I would just as soon go for a walk as watch TV right now.
to call it a day /night: to stop working for the rest of the day /night
Ian tried to repair his car engine all morning before he called it a day and
went fishing.
We've been working hard on this project all evening; let's call it a night.
to figure out: to solve, to find a solution (S); to understand (S)
How long did it take you to figure out the answer to the math problem?
I was never able to figure it out.
34
Essential Idioms in English
to think of: to have a (good or bad) opinion of
This idiom is often used in the negative or with adjectives such as much and highly.
I don't think much of him as a baseball player; he's a slow runner and a
poor hitter.
James thinks highly of his new boss, who is a kind and helpful person.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
We were able to visit the zoo when the animals were very active.
a. would rather
b. had better
c. got to (Lesson 6)
2.
All of this work in the garden has tired me out; let's stop working.
a. be over
b. call it a day
c. be up
3.
I can't understand Professor Jones at all; he's a very good teacher, but
sometimes he says foolish things.
a. figure out
b. make up my mind about (Lesson 5)
c. point out
4.
I prefer to eat in tonight than to eat out; what do you think?
a. wou Id rather
b. had better
c. so far (Lesson 4)
SECTION 1
Beginning
35
5. The police officer put a parking ticket on the car because the time on the
meter had expired.
a. was over
b. was not on time
c. was up
6.
I don't have a good opinion
of our new neighbors; they're not very friendly.
a. make friends with (Lesson 6)
b. get better with
c. think much of
7.
This problem is too difficult for me
to solve by myself.
a. to point out
b. to be over
c. to figure out
8.
We were late to the party, but we got there
before the time to eat dinner.
a. to wait on
b. in time to
c. on time
9. Jan couldn't wait for the meeting to
end so that she could go home.
a. to call off (Lesson 5)
b. to be through
c. to get worse
10.
It was supposed to be a surprise, but Larry knew about the birthday party
from the beginning.
a. all along (Lesson 2)
b. on time
c. to call it a night
36
Essential Idioms in English
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
JAKE:
If you're going to take classes this semester, you
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ register soon.
KIRSTEN:
I know, but I can't make up my mind which classes to take. I
need science credits, but I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ take more art
classes.
JAKE:
I can't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ why you like art classes so much.
They won't help you get a job, you know.
KIRSTEN:
Must I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ again to you that my dad is a
professional artist?
JAKE:
I know, but I still don't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ much
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ art as a career. It's not secure enough.
You should definitely take the science classes.
KIRSTEN:
Maybe I will. Then at least I'd complete my class requirements
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ graduate this semester.
SECTION 1
Beginning
37
Lesson
to be about to: to be at the moment of doing something, to be ready
This idiom is often used with the adverb just.
I was about to leave when you called me.
Oh, hi, John. We're just about to eat dinner.
to turn around: to move or face in the opposite direction (S); to completely change
the condition of (S)
e
e
e
She turned around to wave goodbye before getting on the airplane.
The man turned his car around and drove back the way he came.
The company has been very successful since the new business manager was
able to turn it around.
to take turns: to alternate, to change people while doing something
During the trip, Darlene and I took turns driving so that neither of us would
tire out.
e
I have to make sure that my two sons take turns playing the video game.
to pay attention (to): to look at and listen to someone while they are speaking, to
concentrate
e
Please pay attention to me while I'm speaking to you!
You'll have to pay more attention in class if you want to get a good grade.
to brush up on: to review something in order to refresh one's memory
38
e
Before I travelled to Mexico, I brushed up on my Spanish; I haven't
practiced it since high school.
e
In order to take that advance math class, Sidney will have to brush up on
his algebra.
Essential Idioms in English
over and over (again): repeatedly (also: time after time, time and again)
The actress studied her lines over and over until she knew them well.
Children have difficulty remembering rules, so it's often necessary to repeat
them over and over again.
Time and again I have to remind Arturo to put on his seatbelt in the car.
to wear out: to use something until it has no value or worth anymore, to make
useless through wear (S)
When I wear out these shoes, I'll have to buy some that last longer.
What do you do with your clothes after you wear them out?
to throw away: to discard, to dispose of (S)
I generally throw away my clothes when I wear them out.
Don't throw the magazines away; I haven't read them yet.
to fall in love: to begin to love
This idiom is used with the expression at first sight to indicate a sudden love for
someone not known well.
Ben and Sal fell in love in high school, and got married after graduation.
Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?
to go out (with): to go on a date (with); to date repeatedly
Andre and I are going out on Saturday. We are going to have dinner at my
favorite restaurant.
Eda went out with Rick for six months, but now she is going out with
someone else.
to go out: to stop functioning; to stop burning; to leave home or work (also: to
step out)
The lights went out all over the city because of an electrical problem.
SECTION 1
Beginning
39
The campers didn't have to put out the fire because it went out by itself.
Gary isn't here right now; he went out to the store for a moment.
I have to step out of the office briefly to pick up a newspaper.
to break up (with): to stop dating
Leo and Heidi just broke up after dating for three years.
Tai broke up with his girlfriend because he fell in love with someone else.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
Don't discard those old cardboard boxes; Jim can use them for packing his
things when he moves to a new apartment.
a. put away (Lesson 4)
b. throw away
c. wear out
2.
If you had concentrated on what I said, I wouldn't have to repeat myself.
a. paid attention to
b. brushed up on
c. turned around
3.
I plan to stay in school temporarily and take more classes.
a. at last (Lesson 2)
b. over and over again
c. for the time being (Lesson 5)
40
Essential Idioms in English
4.
I think Karen and Greg would get along if they went on a date sometime.
a. took turns
b. went out
c. wore out
5.
Before George takes a college-level biology class, he should review his
biology from high school.
a. brush up on
b. pay attention to
c. be about to
6.
I liked that movie so much that I could watch it repeatedly.
a. right away (Lesson 1)
b. taking turns
c. over and over again
7.
Betty can't understand why she's having trouble with her new DVD player.
a. turn around
b. figure out (Lesson 7)
c. step out
8.
Megan has been depressed ever since Troy stopped dating her.
a. fell in love with
b. paid attention to
c. broke up with
9.
Sally was ready to take a shower when the phone rang, so she didn't
answered it.
a. was about to
b. took turns to
c. had better (Lesson 7)
SECTION 1
Beginning
41
10.
I'm tired of working; let's leave
home for a while and shop for groceries.
a. turn around
b. go out
c. call it a day (Lesson 7)
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
LEE:
Jan, you've _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ these shoes completely. Why
do you keep them?
JAN:
Don't ask me again, Lee! I've told you _ _ _ _ _ _ __
they are my favorite pair.
LEE:
I know, I know. Every time we _ _ _ _ _ _ __
somewhere, you wear them.
JAN:
It's terrible, isn't it? I know that I should _ _ _ _ _ _ __
them _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , but they're so comfortable, I can't!
LEE:
What if I said that I would buy a new pair for you-would you
discard them then?
JAN:
That's completely _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ! This situation doesn't
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ money; it's about my feeling for the shoes.
LEE:
Feeling for the shoes! Is it possible that you have
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with them?
JAN:
42
Yes, I guess I love them more than I love you!
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to wake up: to arise from sleep, to awaken (S)
Compare wake up and get up (Lesson 1) as used in
the first example.
0
Maggie woke up this morning very early, but
she did not get up until about ten o'clock.
0
My alarm clock wakes me up at the same time
every day.
to be in charge of: to manage, to have responsibility for
0
Jane is in charge of the office while Mrs. Haig is on a business trip.
0
Who is in charge of arrangements for the dance next week?
as soon as: just after, when
0
As soon as it started to snow, the children ran outside with big smiles on
their faces.
0
I'm busy now, but I'll meet you as soon as I've finished this work.
to have a good time: to enjoy oneself
0
We all had a good time at the class reunion last night.
0
Did you have a good time at the park? I really enjoyed it.
in no time: very quickly, rapidly
This idiom can be used with the idiom at all to add emphasis to the certainty of the
statement.
0
Mac said that he'd be ready to leave in no time.
0
We thought that the meeting would take two hours, but it was over in no
time at all.
SECTION 1
Beginning
43
to cut down on: to reduce, to lessen (also: to cut back on)
In order to lose weight, you have to cut down on your intake of sugar.
The doctor told me to cut back on exercise until my back injury heals.
to crack down on: to enforce or punish strictly
The school has started to crack down on smoking. Students who smoke on
campus will be suspended.
Maura is finally cracking down on her son and making him help with the
housework.
quite a few: many
Quite a few students were absent yesterday; in fact, more than half of them
were not there.
We did not expect many people to attend the affair, but quite a few of our
friends actually came.
used to: formerly did, had the habit of
This idiom is used to indicate a post situation, action, or habit that does not exist in
the present. The idiom is always followed by a simple verb form.
I used to live in New York, but I moved to California two years ago.
Kim used to smoke cigarettes, but she stopped the habit last month.
to be used to: be accustomed to
This idiom refers to a situation, action, or habit that continues in the present. The
idiom is always followed by a noun or gerund phrase.
He is used to this climate now, so the changes in temperature do not affect
him much.
I am used to studying in the library, so it's difficult for me to study at
home now.
44
Essential Idioms in English
to get used to: to become used to, to become adjusted to
This idiom describes the process of change that allows someone to be used to a
situation, action, or habit.
9
It took Yoshiko a long time to get used to the food that her American host
family served her.
9
Mark can't seem to get used to wearing contact lenses; recently he's been
wearing his glasses a lot.
back and forth: in a backward and forward motion
9
The restless lion kept pacing back and forth along the front of its cage.
9
Grandmother finds it relaxing to sit in her rocking chair and move back
and forth.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
When we finally decided to eat out, we got ready rapidly.
a. in no time
b. on time (Lesson 7)
c. as soon as
2.
Joe has never been able to become adjusted to getting up early in the
morning.
a. used to
b. to be used to
c. to get used to
SECTION 1
Beginning
45
3.
I have a lot of trouble breathing well when I run, so I guess that I should
reduce smoking.
a. be in charge of
b. throw away (Lesson 8)
c. cut down on
4.
While I was reading in bed last night, the phone in the kitchen rang, so I
had to arise to answer it.
a. to wake up
b. to get up (Lesson 1)
c. to be used to
5.
Many people at the beach were wearing jackets because the wind was cool.
a. Quite a few
b. As soon as
c. Few and far between (Lesson 6)
6.
The police are strictly punishing speeding in our neighborhood; I've
already received two tickets this month.
a. cracking down on
b. having a good time
c. getting used to
7.
When my parents were ready to leave, we went out to dinner.
a. At first (Lesson 1)
b. As soon as
c. All of a sudden (Lesson 6)
8.
Jack made the engine of his car useless by forgetting to add oil to it
regularly.
a. got worse (Lesson 7)
b. used to
c. wore out (Lesson 8)
46
Essential Idioms in English
9.
The boat was moving in backward and forward motion because of the
large waves on the ocean.
a. at least (Lesson 4)
b. back and forth
c. on purpose (Lesson 3)
10.
Vera had the habit of biting her nails until they were very short, but now
she's stopped doing that.
a. has been used to
b. used to
c. cut back on
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
ABE:
Zeke! It's already 8 A.M. It's time for you to
ZEKE:
What do you mean? It's the weekend, and I
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ sleeping until at least 10
A.M.
on
Saturdays!
ABE:
Don't you remember? We're organizing a beach picnic for our
sports club today.
ZEKE:
Oh, I forgot about that. Just give me fifteen more minutes. I can
be ready _ _ _ _ _ _ __
ABE:
Look, there are things _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to take to the beach
and to set up, like the volleyball net. We need to do it together.
ZEKE:
Boy, why did you agree that we would _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the
picnic? It's too much responsibility.
SECTION 1
Beginning
47
ABE:
I didn't agree. You did!
ZEKE:
Well, now I realize that I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ going to these
activities, but I have a lot less fun planning them!
48
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to make sure: to be sure, to ascertain (also: to make certain)
Please make sure that you turn off the radio before you go out.
Could you make certain of the time? I don't want to miss that TV show.
now and then: occasionally, sometimes (also: from time to time, once in a while)
Both now and then and once in a while can be preceded by the adjective every.
Another idiom with the same meaning and form is every so often.
I don't see him very often, but (every) now and then we arrange to have
1unch together.
Gary gets a cold (every) once in a while even though he takes good care of
himself.
Every so often my brother and I get together for a camping trip.
I like to sleep late in the morning from time to time.
to get rid of: to eliminate, to remove; to discard, to throw away
Jerry tried hard to get rid of the stain on his shirt, but he never succeeded.
The stain was so bad that Jerry finally had to get rid of his shirt.
every other (one): every second (one), alternate (ones)
I play tennis with my father every other Saturday, so I usually play twice a
month.
There were twenty problems in the exercise, but the teacher told us only to
do every other one. Actually, doing ten problems was difficult enough.
SECTION 1
Beginning
49
to go with: to match, to compare well in color or design often used with this idiom.
(also: to go together)
Adverbs such as well and poorly are often used with this idiom.
e
That striped shirt goes well with the gray pants, but the pants go poorly
with those leather shoes.
Both of those paintings are nice, but they don't go together at all.
first-rate: excellent, superb
e
The food served in that four-star restaurant is truly first-rate.
The Beverly Hills Hotel provides first-rate service to its guests.
to come from: to originate from
This idiom is commonly used in discussions of one's hometown, state, or country.
What country in South America does she come from? She comes from Peru.
I just learned that he really comes from Florida, not Texas.
e
Where did this package come from? It was just sitting on our doorstep.
to make good time: to travel a sufficient distance at a reasonable speed
The adjective excellent can also be used.
It rained during our entire hike up Mt. Hood, so we didn't make good time.
We made excellent time on our trip to Florida; it only took five hours to
drive there.
to mix up: to stir or shake well (S); to confuse, to bewilder (S)
For the second definition, the passive forms to be mixed up or to get mixed up are
often used.
You should mix up the ingredients well before you put them in the pan.
e
The teacher's poor explanation really mixed the students up.
The students think it's their fault that they are mixed up so often.
50
Essential Idioms in English
to see about: to give attention or time to (also: to attend to, to see to)
Who is going to see about getting us a larger room for the meeting?
I'll see to arranging music for the wedding if you attend to the
entertainment.
to make an impression: to influence another person's opinion of oneself (also: to
leave an impression) (S)
This idiom is usually separated by an adjective such as good or bad.
Abigail made a good impression during her job interview, so they offered
her the position.
With his awful manners and personality, Karsten leaves a bad impression on
everyone he meets.
by heart: by memorizing
He knows many passages from Shakespeare by heart.
Do you know all the idioms you have studied in this book by heart?
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
Doug has such a strong personality, he influences others' opinions of
himself wherever he goes.
a. makes good time
b. makes an impression
c. has a good time (Lesson 9)
SECTION 1
Beginning
51
2.
The manager wanted her assistant to
be delivered.
ascertain when the products would
a. to make good time
b. to get rid of
c. to make sure
3.
You should
stir the milk and eggs before you add the butter.
a. cut down on (Lesson 9)
b. mix up
c. come from
4.
I was so nervous about giving the speech that I learned every word by
memorizing.
a. by myself (Lesson 3)
b. by heart
c. now and then
5.
The weather is so bad today that we should definitely postpone the picnic.
a. put off (Lesson 5)
b. call off (Lesson 5)
c. see about
6.
Where does Jacek originate from? He has such an interesting accent.
a. go with
b. come from
c. look over (Lesson 6)
7. The test instructions were so poorly written that the students
confused about what to do.
a. were attended to
b. paid attention (Lesson 8)
c. were mixed up
52
Essential Idioms in English
were
8.
This yellow tie doesn't match your blue jacket at all.
a. go with
b. get rid of
c. come from
9.
John enjoys going hiking with his friends. They take a hike together every
second weekend.
a. every now and then
b. every other
c. all weekend long (Lesson 3)
10.
This tablecloth is too old to use anymore; would you mind if we discard it?
a. get rid of
b. come from
c. see to
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
JOANNE:
Do you want this shirt, Helene? It doesn't fit me, so I'm going
to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it.
HELENE:
Sure, I'll take it. It will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the pants I'm
going to wear to my audition tomorrow.
JOANNE:
Where is your audition?
HELENE:
At the Grand Street Theater downtown. There's a lot of traffic
in that area, but if I take the subway I can
JOANNE:
That's a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ theater. Its shows always get
great reviews.
SECTION 1
Beginning
53
HELENE:
I know. I really hope that I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .good
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . I've already memorized the role
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so I won't make a mistake.
JOANNE:
I'm sure you'll do well. Just _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that you're
not late getting there!
54 Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to keep out: not to enter, not allow to enter (S)
O
There was a large sign outside the door
that said, "Danger! Keep out!"
O
I've told you to keep the dog out of the
house.
to keep away (from): to stay at a distance (from)
(S); to avoid use of (also: stay away from)
8
Please be sure to keep the children away
from the street!
8
The signs on the burned-out house said, "Keep Away! Danger Zone."
8
It's important to stay away from dangerous drugs.
to find fault with: to criticize, to complain about something
8
It is very easy to find fault with the work of others, but more difficult to
accept criticism of one's own work.
8
Mrs. Johnson is always finding fault with her children, though they really
try to please her.
to be up to: to be dependent on the decision of another; to be doing as a regular
activity; to feel able to do something
The second definition is most often used in a question as a form of greeting.
8
I don't care whether we go to the reception or not. It's up to you.
8
Hi, Evan. I haven't seen you in a while. What have you been up to?
8
Alexi isn't up to going on a hike; his broken foot is still holding.
SECTION 1
Beginning
55
ill at ease: uncomfortable or worried in a situation
e
e
Speaking in front of a large audience makes many people feel ill at ease.
My wife and I were ill at ease because our daughter was late coming home
from a date.
to do over: to revise, to do again (S)
A noun or pronoun must separate the two parts of this idiom.
e
e
You'd better do the letter over because it is written so poorly.
Jose made so many mistakes in his homework that the teacher made him do
it over.
to look into: to investigate, to examine carefully (also: to check into)
e
e
The police are looking into the matter of the stolen computers.
The congressional committee will check into the financial dealings of the
government contractor.
to take hold of: to grasp, to grip with the hands
e
e
You should take hold of the railing as you go down those steep stairs.
The blind man took hold of my arm as I led him across the street.
to get through: to finish, to complete
This idiom is followed either by the -ing form of a verb (a gerund) or by the
preposition with.
e
e
I didn't get through studying last night until almost eleven o'clock.
At what time does your wife get through with work every day?
from now on: from this time into the future
e
56
Mr. Lee's doctor told him to cut down on eating fatty foods from now on,
or else he might suffer heart disease.
Essential Idioms in English
8
I'm sorry that I dropped by at a bad time. From now on I'll call ahead
of time.
to keep track of: to keep or maintain a record of; to remember the location or status of
8
Steve keeps track of all the long-distance telephone calls related to his
business that he makes from his home or cell phone.
8
With seven small children, how do the Wilsons keep track of all of them?
to get carried away: to act in an extreme manner
A related idiom is to go overboard.
8
Even if you have an awful day at work, you shouldn't get carried away and
quit your job.
8
James went overboard while shopping for his wife's birthday present. He
spent way too much money!
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
It's difficult for old people to remember the location of personal
possessions such as keys.
a. to keep track of
b. to keep away from
c. to take hold of
2.
I haven't seen Jasmine in a long time. I wonder what she has been doing.
a. has gotten through
b. has to do with (Lesson 8)
c. has been up to
SECTION 1
Beginning
57
3. Jeff agreed
weekend.
to give attention to organizing the beach barbecue this
a. to find fault with
b. to see about (Lesson 10)
c. to do over
4.
The unfriendly man told the neighborhood boys, "I don't want any of you
coming in my yard. Don't enter!"
a. Keep out!
b. Get carried away!
c. Put out! (Lesson 6)
5.
Vivian felt uncomfortable at the party because she didn't know anyone
there; they were all complete strangers to her.
a. mixed up (Lesson 10)
b. ill at ease
c. all right (Lesson 2)
6. To open the door, you have
to grasp it firmly and pull hard.
a. to take hold of
b. to get through
c. to find fault with
7.
Until now I haven't broken any bones in my body.
a. At last (Lesson 2)
b. From now on
c. So far (Lesson 4)
8.
Lita made so many mistakes in her essay that the teacher told her to
revise it.
a. to find fault with it
b. to do it over
c. to check into it
58
Essential Idioms in English
9.
I acted in an extreme manner when my friends surprised me with a big
birthday celebration-I was screaming and jumping around with joy.
a. got carried away
b. kept out
c. was ill at ease
10.
Mr. Smith asked the police to
investigate the theft of his car radio last week.
a. to look for (Lesson 2)
b. to look over (Lesson 6)
c. to look into
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
MAX:
Jeff, are you still busy?
JEFF:
Of course I am! Didn't you see the sign on my door. It says,
" _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ !"
MAX:
Sorry, Jeff. I just wanted to know when you're going to
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with your work.
JEFF:
I need at least another five hours. The professor found so many
mistakes in my research paper that I have to
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it _ _ _ _ _ _ __
MAX:
Oh, I didn't realize that.
JEFF:
I know one thing-I'm going to start all my work much earlier
and do it more carefully _ _ _ _ _ _ __
MAX:
That's a good idea. Say, would you like to watch TV and relax
for a minute?
SECTION 1
Beginning
59
JEFF:
Are you kidding? I have to _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ TV if I'm going
to finish this work.
MAX:
Well, it's you. I can write more easily after I take a short break.
Would you like me to read what you've done so far?
JEFF:
No way. I know what will happen-you'll just
--------it.
MAX:
Okay, then. I'll just go away and leave you alone.
JEFF:
Thanks, Max. Sorry I'm acting so strange. I'm just feeling
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ about this paper. I need to get it done by
tomorrow.
MAX:
I understand. Just don't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and be angry at
your friends!
60
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
up to date: modern; current, timely
Hyphens (-) separate the parts of this idiom when it
precedes a noun form, as in the third example. The
verb to update derives from this idiom.
0
The president insisted that the company
bring its aging equipment up to date.
0
This catalog is not up to date. It was
published several years ago.
O
The news program gave an up-to-date account of the nuclear accident. The
newscaster said that he would update the news report every half hour.
out of date: not modern; not current, not timely; no longer available in
published form
Again, hyphens separate the parts of this idiom when it precedes a noun form as, in
the second example. The passive verb to be outdated derives from this idiom.
O
Many people buy new cars when their old cars become out of date.
0
I don't know why Gene likes to wear out-of-date clothing. His clothes are
so outdated that even his girlfriend hates to be seen with him.
O
This book can't be ordered any more because it is out of date.
to blow up: to inflate, to fill with air (S); to explode, to destroy (or be destroyed) by
explosion (S)
O
Daddy, could you please blow up this balloon for me?
0
When the airplane crashed into the ground, it blew up immediately.
O
The military had to blow the missile up in midair when it started to go the
wrong way.
SECTION 1
Beginning
61
to catch fire: to begin to burn
•
Don't stand too close to the gas stove. Your clothes may catch fire.
•
No one seems to know how the old building caught fire.
to burn down: to destroy completely by fire; to burn slowly, but completely
(usually said of candles) (S)
•
The fire spread so quickly that the firefighters could not prevent the whole
·
block of buildings from burning down.
•
There was a large amount of wax on the table where the candles had
burned down.
to burn up: to destroy completely by fire (S); to make angry or very annoyed (S)
(also: to tick off)
To burn up and to burn down {previous idiom) share the first definition but also have
different definitions.
•
She didn't want anyone to see the letter, so she burned it up and threw the
·
ashes away.
•
It really burns me up that he borrowed my car without asking me first.
•
Mike got ticked off that his friends never offered to help him move to his
new apartment. He had to do everything himself.
to burn out: to stop functioning because of overuse; to make tired from too
much work (S)
62
•
This light bulb has burned out. Could you get another one?
•
Studying all day for my final exams has really burned me out.
Essential Idioms in English
stands to reason: to be clear and logical
This idiom is almost always used with the pronoun subject it and is followed by a
that clause.
O
It stands to reason that a person without experience cannot do the work as
well as an experienced one.
O
It stands to reason that he isn't going to pass the course if he never studies.
to break out: to become widespread suddenly
O
An epidemic of measles broke out in Chicago this past week.
O
If a nuclear war ever breaks out, it is unlikely that many people will survive.
O
The news says that a large fire has broken out in a huge chemical plant.
as for: regarding, concerning (also: as to)
0
As for the money, we will simply have to borrow some more from the bank.
O
There is no doubt as to her intelligence; she's the smartest one in the class.
for one thing: for example, for instance
This idiom is used when giving a detail to support a statement or opinion.
O
My dog is my best friend. For one thing, he is always there when I
need him.
0
Why don't you like your new roommate?
Because she's very messy, for one thing. She leaves her things all over our
apartment.
to feel sorry for: to pity, to feel compassion for (also: to take pity on)
O
Don't you feel sorry for someone who has to work the night shift?
O
I helped drive Pierre around when he broke his foot because I took pity
on him.
SECTION 1
Beginning 63
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
I had to use a lot of paper and matches before I was able to get the wood
in the fireplace to begin to burn.
a. to burn down
b. to catch fire
c. to burn up
2.
If you stay up late every night, it seems logical that you'll tire yourself out.
a. stands to reason
b. goes with (Lesson 10)
c. feels sorry for
3. The coach inflated several of the players' soccer balls that were too soft.
a. broke out
b. got rid of (Lesson 10)
c. blew up
4.
From the beginning I knew that I wanted to go to medical school and to
become a doctor.
a. All along (Lesson 2)
b. As for
c. For one thing
5. This set of reference books is so old that the library should buy one that is
more current.
a. out of date
b. first-rate (Lesson 10)
c. up to date
64
Essential Idioms in English
6.
I pity Marilyn because everything of value in her house was stolen by
thieves.
a. tick off
b. count on (Lesson 6)
c. feel sorry for
7.
If you continue without taking a break, this difficult work will make
you tired.
a. burn you out
b. burn you up
c. burn you down
8.
Those two sisters look so much alike that I often get confused about their
names.
a. mixed up (Lesson 10)
b. broken out
c. out of date
9.
Regarding me, I don't care where we go today. It's up to you.
a. To be about to (Lesson 8)
b. As for
c. To think of (Lesson 7)
10.
It makes me annoyed that Jocelyn didn't call to cancel our appointment.
a. burns me up
b. breaks me out
c. burns me down
SECTION 1 Beginning
65
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
MATT:
Have you heard the news? A big fire _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the
downtown area early this morning. A whole block was affected.
LISA:
Really? How many buildings have _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ?
MATT:
More than ten, I believe. Haven't you seen the smoke in the air?
LISA:
Yes, I wondered what that was. Why doesn't the fire department
have the fire under control by now?
MATT:
Well, their equipment is so _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that it doesn't
work well.
LISA:
Boy, I bet that the people who lost their stores are really
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ about that. I would be very angry if it was
my business.
MATT:
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ me, I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ all the
workers who have lost their jobs because of the fire.
LISA:
It _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that the city government is going to
have to buy _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ equipment now.
MATT:
Let's hope so.
66 Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to break down: to stop functioning
Compare this idiom with to burn out in Lesson 12. To burn out means that electrical
equipment becomes hot from overuse and stops functioning. To break down means
that something stops functioning mechanically, whether from overuse or not.
I just bought my new car yesterday and already it has broken down.
The elevator broke down, so we walked all the way up to the top floor.
to turn out: to become or result; to appear, to attend (also: to come out)
The noun form turnout derives from the second definition of the idiom.
Most parents wonder how their children will turn out as adults.
Hundreds of people came out for the demonstration against new taxes.
What was the turnout for the public hearing on the education reforms?
once in a blue moon: rarely, infrequently
Snow falls on the city of San Diego, California, once in a blue moon.
Once in a blue moon my wife and I eat at a very expensive restaurant.
to give up: to stop trying; to stop a bad habit (S); to surrender (S)
I'm sure that you can accomplish this task. Don't give up yet!
If you give up smoking now, you will probably live a longer life.
The soldiers gave themselves up in the face of stronger enemy forces.
to cross out: to cancel by marking with a horizontal line (S)
The teacher crossed out several incorrect words in Tanya's composition.
I crossed the last line out of my letter because it had the wrong tone to it.
SECTION 1
Beginning
67
to take for granted: not to appreciate fully (S); to assume to be true without giving
much thought (S)
A noun or pronoun often follows the verb
take.
Bruno took his wife for granted until once when he was very sick and
needed her constant attention for a week.
He spoke English so well that I took it for granted he was an American.
He took for granted that I wasn't American because I spoke English so
poorly!
to take into account: to consider a fact while evaluating a situation (S)
A noun or pronoun often follows the verb
take.
The judge took the prisoner's young age into account before sentencing him
to three months in jail.
O Educators should take into account the cultural backgrounds of students
when planning a school curriculum.
to make clear: to clarify, to explain (S)
Please make it clear to Josef that he should never act so impolitely again.
The supervisor made it clear to the workers that they had to increase their
productivity.
clear cut: clearly stated, definite, apparent
The president's message was clear cut: The company had to reduce
personnel immediately.
O Professor Larsen is well known for his interesting and clear-cut
presentations.
to have on: to be wearing (S)
How do you like the hat that Grace has on today?
When Sally came into the room, I had nothing on except my shorts.
68
Essential Idioms in English
to come to: to regain consciousness; to equal, to amount to
At first they thought that the man was dead, but soon he came to.
The bill for groceries at the supermarket came to fifty dollars.
to call for: to require; to request, to urge
This cake recipe calls for some baking soda, but we don't have any.
The members of Congress called for new laws to regulate the banking
industry.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The majority of the investors at the shareholders' meeting urged the
resignation of the chairman of the board.
a. called for
b. took for granted
c. are looking into (Lesson 11)
2.
How many people appeared for the baseball game yesterday?
a. turned out
b. came to
c. turned around (Lesson 8)
3.
My reason for voting "no" is very apparent: I disagree completely with the
position of other committee members on this matter.
a. once in a blue moon
b. clear cut
c. made clear
SECTION 1
Beginning
69
4.
There was a big traffic jam on the freeway when a truck stopped
functioning in one of the middle lanes.
a. burned down (Lesson 12)
b. gave up
c. broke down
5.
Mrs. Thomas was very surprised when she received the bill for her hospital
stay. It equalled almost ten thousand dollars.
a. crossed out
b. came from (Lesson 10)
c. came to
6.
Aaron had the habit to eat a lot of sweets until he decided to lose weight.
a. is used to (Lesson 9)
b. gave up
c. used to (Lesson 9)
7.
That's a very nice dress that you are wearing. Where did you buy it?
a. have on
b. take into account
c. take for granted
8.
As it resulted, I didn't have to worry about the game; we won it easily.
a. turned out
b. made clear
c. was over (Lesson 7)
9.
The gang of criminals surrendered to the police after eight hours of hiding
in the warehouse.
a. crossed out
b. gave up
c. looked out (Lesson 5)
70
Essential Idioms in English
10.
Joe's mother considered the fact that Joe was trying to help his brother
when the accident took place.
a. took for granted
b. made clear
c. took into account
B\
~
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of an idiomatic expression from
this lesson.
MRS. LEE:
Hello. How are you?
(ASHIER:
Fine, ma'am. Only buying a few groceries today, I see.
MRS. LEE:
Yes. As it _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , I only have a few dollars
with me.
(ASHIER:
That shirt you _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ really goes nicely with
your eyes.
MRS. LEE:
Thank you. I just bought it this morning.
CASHIER:
Oh, no! The cash register just - - - - - - - - · None of
the buttons are working.
MRS. LEE:
That's terrible. Does this happen very often?
CASHIER:
Not at all. In fact, it happens only _ _ _ _ _ _ __
Unfortunately, this kind of situation _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the
manager's assistance, but he's not here right now.
MRS. LEE:
Just when you _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ that something like this
won't happen, it does!
SECTION 1 Beginning
71
CASHIER:
I guess I have to figure out your bill by myself. Let's see-the
total for your purchases
72
$13.35.
MRS. LEE:
Did you - - - - - - - - my discount coupons?
CASHIER:
No, I forgot. Thanks for reminding me.
Essential Idioms in English
Collocations
Idioms are expressions made up of words that take on new and different
meanings when they are used in combination with one another. Collocations,
on the other hand, are simply words that are traditionally used together by
native English speakers, so that their combination becomes expected. Unlike
idioms, the individual words in collocations retain their own meaning.
Collocations can occur in a number of different patterns, including adjective
+ noun, verb + noun, verb + adverb, noun + verb, and noun + noun.
feel free: go ahead (and do something)
9
Please feel free to borrow my dictionary any time.
feel funny: feel slightly ill, feel uncomfortable
9
I've been feeling funny ever since I ate the fish.
9
I feel funny about turning down that invitation for dinner.
feel like (something): want to have or do something
9
I feel like eating Indian food tonight.
9
I don't feel like going to a movie.
get going: move quickly
9
We'd better get going if we're going to make the next train.
get it: make sense of something
9
Suichi just didn't get it when Lily told the joke.
out of date: no longer useful or modern
9
Your map is so out of date that it shows some countries that don't even exist.
SECTION 1 Beginning
73
out of control: impossible to guide or direct; in a rage
•
The car went out of control and hit the fence.
•
Diego really went out of control after he missed the penalty kick.
out of the question: not permitted; not workable
•
Taking vacation now is out of the question because we have to meet
that deadline.
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks to complete the collocations.
74 Essential Idioms in English
Review: Lessons 1 to
13
Match the idiom in the left column with the definition in the right column. The first
one is done for you.
--4_
1.
for one thing
a. for a reason, deliberately
2.
for good
b. temporarily
3. on purpose
c. from the beginning
4. so far
d. for example
5. first-rate
e. punctually
6. right away
f. excellent, superb
7. every other
g. until now
8. for the time being
h. uncomfortable, worried
9. all along
i. very soon, immediately
10.
on time
j. modern, current
11.
ill at ease
k. alternate
up to date
I. permanently, forever
_ _ 12.
In the space provided, mark whether each sentence is true (T) or false (F).
1. _ _ If you take your time getting ready for work in the morning,
you do it in a hurry.
2. _ _ If you have worn out your clothes, you would use them to
dress up.
3. _ _ If you have difficulty getting along with people, you probably
also have trouble making friends.
4. _ _ If the doctor advises you to cut down on work at the office, you
should take some time off
SECTION 1
Beginning
75
5. _ _ If you call it a day, you are just waking up in the morning.
6. _ _ If you get carried away while taking a difficult hike, you may
tire out.
7. _ _ If you know some information by heart, you still have to figure
it out.
8. _ _ If you find fault with a person over and over again, that person
may choose not to pay attention to your criticism.
9. _ _ If you make up your mind about a problem, you still have to
think it over.
10. _ _ If you take a trip to a foreign country, you may want to brush
up on the language first.
11. _ _ If store owners want to crack down on shoplifting, they should
spend more time monitoring shoppers.
12. _ _ If important decisions always are up to you, then you take turns
making them.
'9
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using look listed below.
1. Jeff's mother expects h i m - - - - - - - - her directly while she is
speaking to him.
2. The police detective was very eager _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the cause of
the accident.
3.
Harriet went to the library _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ some facts for her
research paper.
76
Essential Idioms in English
4.
Before the important exam, I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ my lecture notes for
the class.
5.
Jason can't seem to locate his car keys. Could you help us
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ them?
6.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ There's a car coming towards us quickly.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using take listed below.
1.
to take one's time
to take off
to take out
to take part in
to take into account
to take a trip
to take place
to take turns
to take hold of
Do you have any idea when the symphony concert is scheduled
-------~?
2.
To drive safely, you should _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the steering wheel
with both hands.
3.
You should _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when you walk on ice. If you hurry,
you might fall down.
4.
Bill finally
the new girl in school. They went to
the park together and had a picnic.
5.
Many young actors and actresses wanted _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the
theater production of Hamlet. Unfortunately, only a few were chosen.
6.
Kurt didn't have enough money to pay for dinner because he didn't
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the cost of the tax and tip.
SECTION 1
Beginning 77
7.
My brother and I _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ doing household chores. One
day he washes the dishes, and the next day I do them.
8.
Please _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ your shirt and put it in the laundry basket.
It's too dirty to wear anymore.
9.
This spring the Dobsons are planning _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to Oregon
and Washington state.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using get listed below.
1. I should _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ some of these old papers. If I threw
them away, there would be a lot more space in my desk.
2.
I didn't like the weather here at first, but after a few months I
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the rain.
3.
Marco got very depressed when his father died. He has just started
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ his sadness.
4.
Before we were able _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the bus to downtown, we
had to let the passengers on the bus.
78
Essential Idioms in English
5.
Please _________ and _________ the car on the
driver's side. The door on the passenger side is broken.
6.
Felix is such a nice guy that it's easy _________ him.
7.
Sarah usually _________ at about six o'clock in the
mormng, _________ work by eight o'clock, and
_________ home by around six o'clock in the evening.
SECTION 1
Beginning
79
SECTION 2
Intermediate
Lesson
to eat in/to eat out: to eat at home/to eat in a restaurant
I feel too tired to go out for dinner. Let's eat in
again tonight.
When you eat out, what restaurant do you
generally go to?
cut and dried: predictable, known beforehand; boring
The results of the national election were rather cut
and dried; the Republicans won easily.
A job on a factory assembly line is certainly cut and dried.
to look after: to watch, to supervise, to protect (also: to take care of, to keep an
eye on)
Grandma will look after the baby while we go to the lecture.
Who is going to take care of your house plants while you are away?
I'd appreciate it if you'd keep an eye on my car while I'm in the store.
to feel like: to have the desire to, to want to consider
This idiom is usually followed by a gerund (the -ing form of a verb used as a noun).
I don't feel like studying tonight. Let's go to a basketball game.
I feel like taking a long walk. Would you like to go with me?
once and for all: finally, absolutely
My daughter told her boyfriend once and for all that she wouldn't date
him anymore.
Once and for all, John has quit smoking cigarettes.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
83
to hear from: to receive news or information from
To hear from is used for receiving a letter, telephone call, etc., from a person or
organization.
e
e
I don't hear from my brother very often since he moved to Chicago.
Have you heard from the company about that new job?
to hear of: to know about, to be familiar with; to consider
The second definition is always used in the negative.
e
When I asked for directions to Mill Street, the police officer said that she
had never heard of it.
e
I tried to pay Uncle Byron for the movie ticket, but he wouldn't hear of it.
to make fun of: to laugh at, to joke about
e
They are making fun of Carla's new hair style. Don't you think that it's
really strange?
e
Don't make fun of Jose's English. He's doing the best he can.
to come true: to become reality, to prove to be correct
e
e
The weatherman's forecast for today's weather certainly came true.
Everything that the economists predicted about the increased cost of living
has come true.
as a matter of fact: really, actually (also: in fact)
e
Hans thinks he knows English well but, as a matter offact, he speaks very
poorly.
e
I didn't say that. In fact, I said quite the opposite.
to have one's way: to arrange matters the way one wants (especially when someone
else doesn't want the same way) (also: to get one's way)
e
84
My brother always wants to have his way, but this time our parents said
that we could do what I wanted.
Essential Idioms in English
•
If Sheila doesn't get her way, she becomes very angry.
to look forward to: to expect or anticipate with pleasure
This idiom can be followed by a regular noun or a gerund.
•
We're greatly looking forward to our vacation in Mexico.
•
Meg never looks forward to going to work.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
I asked my neighbor to
watch my dog while I was out of town.
a. to come to (Lesson 13)
b. to make fun of
c. to look after
2.
Do you
want to consider going to a movie tonight?
a. feel like
b. stand to reason (Lesson 12)
c. look forward to
3.
I wonder when I'm finally going to
receive news from Joe.
a. to hear of
b. to hear from
c. to make fun
4.
The teacher told her young student, "Please don't cheat
from this time
into the future."
a. from now on (Lesson 11)
b. once and for all
c. as a matter of fact
SECTION 2
Intermediate
85
5.
Aren't you glad that we decided to eat at a restaurant tonight? This food is
great!
a. to eat in
b. to take out (Lesson 3)
c. to eat out
6.
The decision to sell the failing business was rather predictable.
a. come true
b. in fact
c. cut and dried
7.
Barbara is a nice person, but unfortunately she always has to arrange
matters the way she wants.
a. to have her way
b. to make up her mind (Lesson 5)
c. to come true
8.
Are you pleasantly anticipating the end of the school semester?
a. hearing of
b. looking forward to
c. paying attention to (Lesson 8)
9. Actually, I really don't want to take a break right now. I'd rather keep
working.
a. Little by little (Lesson 2)
b. As a matter of fact
c. For good (Lesson 5)
10.
Everything that my parents told me about becoming an adult proved to be
correct.
a. came true
b. to hear of it
c. in fact
86 Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
What famous American actors and actresses have you heard of?
2.
If you were a parent, what activity would you not hear of your small child
doing?
3.
When was the last time that you heard from an old friend from your
childhood?
4.
Do you prefer to eat in or eat out? How often do you eat out?
5.
Is there anything that you want to stop doing once and for all? What?
6.
What event in the near future you looking forward to?
7.
When might you insist on having your way with your friends?
8.
How do you feel when other people make fun of you?
9.
When do you most feel like studying-in the morning or in the evening?
Why?
10.
All people have hopes and desires for the future. What hope or desire do
you want most to come true?
SECTION 2 Intermediate
87
Lesson
inside out: with the inside facing the outside
Someone should tell that man that his shirt is inside out.
The high winds ruined the umbrella by blowing it inside out.
upside down: with the upper side turned toward the lower side;·
,.
•
The accident caused one car to turn upside down,
its wheels spinning in the air.
•
One of the students was only pretending to
read her textbook; the teacher could see that
the book was actually upside down.
to fill in: to write answers in (S); to inform, to tell (S)
For the second definition, the idiom can be followed by
the preposition on and the information that someone is told.
You should be careful to fill in the blanks on the registration form correctly.
•
Barry was absent from the meeting, so I'd better fill him in.
Has anyone filled the boss in on the latest public relations disaster?
to fill out: to complete a form (S)
This idiom is very similar to the first definition above. To fill in refers to completing
various parts of a form, while to fill out refers to completing a form as one whole
item.
•
Every prospective employee must fill out an application with her name,
address, previous jobs, etc.
The teenager had some trouble filling the forms out by himself, so his
mother helped him.
88
Essential Idioms in English
to take advantage of: to use well, to profit from; to use another person's
weaknesses to gain what one wants
Q
I took advantage of my time off from work and went shopping.
Q
Teddy is such a small, weak child that his friends take advantage of him all
the time by demanding money and making him do things for them.
no matter: regardless of
This idiom is a shortened form of it doesn't matter. It is followed by a question word
such as how, where, when, who, etc.
Q
No matter how much money he spends on his clothes, he never looks well
dressed.
No matter where that escaped prisoner tries to hide, the police will find him.
to take up: to begin to do or study, to undertake (S); to occupy space, time,
or energy (S)
For the second definition, in instances of time and energy,
to take.
take up is often shortened
Q
I'm going to take up sailing. I would have taken it up when I was younger,
but I didn't have the money.
Q
The piano takes up too much space in our living room. However, it would
take too much time to move it right now; so we'd better wait until later.
to take up with: to consult someone about an important matter (S)
The important matter follows the verb take, while the person consulted follows
with.
Q
Can I take the problem up with you right now? It's quite urgent.
Q
I can't help you with this matter. You'll have to take it up with the manager.
to take after: to resemble a parent or close relative (also: to look like, for physical
appearance only)
Q
Which of your parents do you take after the most?
Q
Sam looks like his father, but he takes after his mother in personality.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
89
in the long run: eventually, after a long period of time
This idiom is similar in meaning to sooner or later (Lesson 1).
The difference is that in the long run refers to a more extended period of time~
e
In the long run, the synthetic weave in this carpet will wear better than the
woolen one. You won't have to replace it so soon.
e
If you work hard at your marriage, you'll find out that, in the long run,
your spouse can be your best friend in life.
in touch: having contact
This idiom is often followed by get, be, keep, or stay.
e
I haven't been in touch with Sabrina since her baby was born. I should get
in touch with her soon.
e
I certainly enjoyed seeing you again after all these years. Let's be sure to
keep in touch.
out of touch: not having contact; not having knowledge of
e
Sonia and I had been out of touch for years, but then suddenly she called
me the other day.
e
Larry has been so busy that he is out of touch with world events.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
It is a fact of life that older children use the weaknesses of their younger
brothers and sisters.
a. take up with
b. out of touch with
c. take advantage of
90 Essential Idioms in English
2.
If you want the water to come out of the bottle, you have to turn it so
the
top is where the bottom was with the upper side facing the lower side.
a. inside out
b. in the long run
c. upside down
3.
Jeanne has a determination to do well in every aspect of her work; she
never stops trying just because the work is difficult.
a. gives up (Lesson 13)
b. takes up
c. takes after
4.
Regardless of what he says, I don't believe any of the excuses he offers.
a. As for (Lesson 12)
b. No matter
c. As a matter of fact (Lesson 14)
5.
Farah just got back from vacation; let's
she was gone.
inform her on what happened while
a. fill her in
b. fill her out
c. think her over (Lesson 4)
6.
This assignment is so
short time.
boring and predictable that I'll be finished in a very
a. out of the question (Lesson 8)
b. out of touch
c. cut and dried (Lesson 14)
7.
After Misha finished taking art classes, he decided
journalism.
to begin to study
a. to take up
b. to take advantage of
c. to look like
SECTION 2 Intermediate
91
8.
Tom and I have been not having contact for many years now; I can hardly
believe that he just wrote me a letter.
a. in touch
b. in the long run
c. out of touch
9.
Whom do you think that Terry resembles most-her mother or her father?
a. look over (Lesson 6)
b. takes after
c. fills out
10.
The hospital got crowded after a bad case of the flu became widespread in
the city.
a. was carried away (Lesson 11)
b. took up with
c. broke out (Lesson 12)
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
take after in appearance? In personality?
2. What people in your life are you most in touch with?
3. Who have you been out of touch with for many years?
4. What object takes up the most space in your room?
5. What are some good ways that you can take advantage of a friend? Some
1.
Which of your parents do you
bad ways?
filling something in and filling something out?
7. When you apply to college or university, what forms do you have to fill out?
8. What kind of life do you want for yourself in the long run?
6.
What is the difference between
9.
If a person has serious mental or emotional problems, whom can this
person take the problems up with?
10.
For what reasons might someone wear a piece of clothing inside out?
92 Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
on one's toes: alert, cautious
Th is idiom is usually used with the verbs stay and keep.
9
It's important for all the players on a soccer team to stay on their toes.
9
We'd better keep on our toes while we're walking along the dark portions of
this street.
to watch one's step: to walk or move cautiously, to be careful when walking or
moving
9
You should watch your step when you hike on that trail; it's very steep and
dangerous.
9
The workers put up a sign that said "Watch your step!" to warn people
about the hole in the sidewalk.
to watch what one says/does: to speak or behave carefully
9
Watch what you say about Oliver's weight. He's very sensitive about it.
9
If Vasil doesn't watch what he does, he's going to get himself into trouble
at work.
to see eye to eye: to agree, to concur
Cl
I'm glad that we see eye to eye on that matter.
Cl
A husband and wife don't always see eye to eye with each other, but a good
marriage can survive small disagreements.
to have in mind: to be considering, to be thinking (S)
Cl
What style of dress does Lena have in mind for her wedding?
Cl
It's up to you what we eat tonight. Do you have anything in mind?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
93
to keep in mind: to remember, not to forget (S) (also: to bear in mind)
Please keep in mind that you promised to call Stan around noon.
I didn't know that Paula doesn't like vegetables. We should bear that in
mind next time we invite her for dinner.
for once: this one time, for only one time
For once I was able to win a game of golf against Steve, who is a much
better player than I am.
Dad, for once would you please let me drive the new car?
to go off: to explode; to sound as an alarm; to leave suddenly without explanation
The accident happened when a box of firecrackers went off accidentally.
For what time did you set the alarm clock to go off tomorrow morning?
Vince went off without saying good-bye to anybody; I hope he wasn't angry.
to grow out of: to outgrow, to become too old or too big for; to be a result of
He still bites his nails now and then, but soon he'll grow out of the habit.
The need for the salary committee grew out of worker dissatisfaction with
the pay scale.
to make the best of: to do the best that one can in a poor situation
If we can't find a larger apartment soon, we'll just have to make the best of
it right here.
Even though the Martinez family is having financial problems, they make
the best of everything by enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
to cut off: to shorten by cutting the ends (S); to disconnect or stop suddenly (S)
The rope was two feet longer than we needed, so we cut off the extra
length.
94 Essential Idioms in English
9
My Internet provider cut off service today, so I couldn't check my e-mail.
to cut out: to remove by cutting (S); to stop doing something (S) (for the second
definition, also: to knock it off)
For the second definition, the idiom is usually separated by the pronoun it.
9
The child likes to cut out pictures from the newspaper and to paste them in
a notebook.
9
He kept bothering her, so finally she told him to cut it out. However, he
wouldn't knock it off until her larger brother appeared.
EXERCISES
.
A
~
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
My brother and I are having a lot of arguments these days. We can hardly
agree on anything.
a.
go off
b. see eye to eye
c. have in mind
2.
My grandmother has to walk cautiously when going down stairs.
a. watch what she says
b. cut it out
c. watch her step
3.
Will's foot size is now so big that he's already become too big for these
baseball shoes.
a.
on his toes for
b. cut off
c. grown out of
SECTION 2
Intermediate
95
4.
This one time I'd like to win a million dollars in the state lottery, but I'm
sure I won't.
a. So far (Lesson 4)
b. For once
c. All along (Lesson 2)
5.
Mira awoke suddenly when her alarm clock sounded in the morning.
a. went on (Lesson 6)
b. went off
c. went out (Lesson 8)
6.
I can't answer your questions about this problem; go see the supervisor
and consult him about it.
a. keep him in mind
b. take it up with him (Lesson 15)
c. make the best of him
7.
At the end of the break, the teacher had to suddenly stop the students'
conversations and resume class.
a. to cut out
b. to go off
c. to cut off
8.
Even though there are a lot of quiet moments in baseball, the players on
the field should always stay alert.
a. in a hurry (Lesson 5)
b. bearing them in mind
c. on their toes
9.
Sarah's negative attitude about life is a result of an unhappy childhood.
a. makes the best of
b. grows out of
c. gets along
96
Essential Idioms in English
10.
I don't know what you think, but I am considering a pizza party for Billy's
birthday.
a. have in mind
b. never mind (Lesson 2)
c. keep in mind
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Why should you stay on your toes while driving a car?
2.
In what places or situations must you watch your step?
3.
Have you ever had to watch what you said around someone? Who was the
person? What couldn't you say around him/her?
4.
What do you do when you don't see eye to eye with a friend? Do you
usually stay calm or get angry during an argument?
5.
What should parents keep in mind as they raise their children? Did your
parents do this?
6.
Is there anything in life that you would like to do just for once?
7.
At what time in the morning does your alarm clock usually go off?
8.
Name one or more habits that you had as a child that later you grew out of.
9.
As a child, did you like to cut out pictures from newspapers and
magazines? What did you do with them?
10.
Why might someone say "Cut it out!" to you?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
97
Lesson
to blow out: to explode, to go flat (for tires);
to extinguish by blowing (S)
On our trip to Colorado, one of the car tires
blew out when it hit a large hole in the road.
e
Little Joey wasn't able to blow all the candles
out, so his big sister helped him.
to become of: to happen to (a missing object or person)
This idiom is always used in a clause beginning with
what.
e
What has become of my pencil? I had it ten minutes ago, but now I can't
find it.
e
I wondered what became of you. I looked around the shopping center for
two hours, but I couldn't find you at all.
to shut up: to close for a period of time (S); to be quiet, to stop talking
The second definition of this idiom is impolite in formal situations.
e
e
e
During the hurricane, all the store owners shut their shops up.
Bob's sister told him to shut up and not say anything more about it.
The student got into big trouble for telling his teacher to shut up.
have got: to have, to possess
e
e
Curtis has got a bad cold. He's sneezing and coughing a lot.
How much money have you got with you right now?
have got to: must (also: have to)
e
e
98
She has got to go to Chicago today to sign the contract papers.
I have to be back home by two o'clock or my wife will feel ill at ease.
Essential Idioms in English
to keep up with: to maintain the same speed or rate as
Frieda works so fast that no one in the office can keep up with her.
You'll have to walk more slowly. I can't keep up with you.
on the other hand: however, in contrast
Democracies provide people many freedoms and privileges. On the other
hand, democracies suffer many serious problems such as crime and
unemployment.
My sister takes after my father in appearance. On the other hand, I take
after my mother.
to turn down: to reduce in brightness or volume (S); to reject, to refuse (S)
Please turn down the radio for me. It's too loud while I'm studying.
Lola wanted to join the military but the recruiting officer turned her
application down because Lola is hard of hearing in one ear.
fifty-fifty: divided into two equal parts
Let's go fifty-fifty on the cost of a new rug for our apartment.
The political candidate has a fifty-fifty chance of winning the election.
to break in: gradually to prepare something for use that is new and stiff (S); to
interrupt (for the second definition, also: to cut in); to enter illegally or by force
It is best to break a new car in by driving it slowly for the first few
hundred miles.
While Carrie and I were talking, Bill broke in to tell me about a
telephone call.
Peter, it's very impolite to cut in like that while others are speaking.
The thief was caught as he tried to break into our home.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
99
a Lost cause: a hopeless case, a person or situation having no hope of
positive change
It seems that Charles will never listen to our advice. I suppose it's a lost
cause.
The police searched for the missing girl for two weeks, but finally gave it up
as a lost cause.
People who have committed several crimes and show no sorrow about their
actions are generally lost causes.
above all: mainly, especially
Above all, don't mention the matter to Gerard; he's the last person we
should tell.
Sheila does well in all her school subjects, but above all in mathematics. Her
math scores are always over 95 percent.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The last racehorse wasn't able to maintain the same speed as the other
horses in the race.
a. to keep up with
b. to cut in
c. to keep track of (Lesson 11)
2.
There's only one piece of pie left. Would you like to share it in two equal
parts?
a. above all
b. fifty-fifty
c. a lost cause
100
Essential Idioms in English
3.
I didn't like that actor's last movie. His new one, however, is excellent.
a. on the other hand
b. above all
c. as a matter of fact (Lesson 14)
4.
Tell the children to stop talking now or they'll get punished.
a. to blow out
b. to break in
c. to shut up
5.
What has happened to my wallet? I can't find it anywhere.
a. become of
b. have to
c. turned down
6.
Jack didn't believe what his parents told him, but all of it has proved to be
correct.
a. made a difference (Lesson 3)
b. a lost cause
c. come true (Lesson 14)
7.
Ted greatly appreciates his wife's concern for him and, especially, her love.
a. above all
b. on the other hand
c. at least (Lesson 4)
8.
Dr. Hampton must leave the office early because he has an urgent
appointment at the hospital.
a. has got
b. has got to
c. would rather (Lesson 7)
SECTION 2
Intermediate
101
9.
We almost had a serious accident on the highway when the front tire of
our car exploded.
a. blew up (Lesson 12)
b. blew out
c. tired out (Lesson 2)
10.
Joyce never believed that the university would reject her application for
graduate study.
a. turn down
b. break in
c. throw away (Lesson 8)
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
2.
Have you ever been in a car when a tire blew out? What happened?
When is it acceptable to tell someone to shut up? Not acceptable?
3.
Why might a homeowner shut his house up?
4.
How much money have you got in your wallet or purse right now?
5.
What have you got to do to take care of your health?
Have you ever had difficulty keeping up with other students in school?
1.
6.
Why or why not?
7.
For what reasons might a person be turned down for a job?
8.
Why is it important to break in a new vehicle?
For what reasons might you think of someone as being a lost cause?
10. Above all, what is the most important part of your life?
9.
102
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to do without: survive or exist without something (also: to go without)
9
With prices so high now, I'll have to do without a new suit this year.
9
As a traveling salesperson, Monica can't do without a car.
9
It's a shame that so many poor people in the world have to go without basic
necessities of life such as nutritious food and suitable shelter.
according to: in the order of; on the authority of
9
The students on the football team were ranked according to height, from
shortest to tallest.
9
According to my dictionary, you are using that word in your essay
incorrectly.
to be bound to: to be certain to, to be sure to
This idiom is used when the occurrence of an event seems inevitable or unavoidable.
9
We are bound to be late if you don't hurry up.
9
With the economy improving now, their business is bound to make more
money this year.
for sure: without doubt (also: for certain)
9
In the dark, I couldn't tell for sure whether it was Kristina or Dana who
drove by.
9
I know for certain that Gene will move back to Washington next month.
to take for: to perceive or understand as (S)
This idiom is usually used when someone is mistakenly perceived. A noun or
pronoun must separate the idiom.
9
Because of his strong, muscular body, I took him for a professional athlete.
As it turns out, he doesn't play any professional sports.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
103
What do you take me for-a fool? I don't believe what you're saying at all.
to try out: to test, to use during a trial period (S); to audition
I can let you try the computer out for a few days before you make a
decision about buying it.
Max tried out for the role of Hamlet in his school play.
to tear down: to destroy by making flat, to demolish (S)
The construction company had to tear down the old hotel in order to build
a new office building.
The owners had to tear the house down after half of it burned down in
a fire.
to tear up: to rip into small pieces (S)
Deirdre tore up the letter angrily and threw all the pieces into the trash can.
He told the lawyer to tear the old contract up and then to prepare a
new one.
to go over: to be appreciated or accepted
This idiom is usually followed by the adverb well. (In Lesson 6 this idiom has the
meaning to review, as in the second sentence of the second example below.)
The teacher's organized lessons always go over well with her students.
The comedian's jokes weren't going over well, and the audience wasn't
laughing at all. I think that the comedian should go over his material more
carefully before each act.
to run out of: to exhaust the supply of, not to have more of
We ran out of gas right in the middle of the main street in town.
It's dangerous to run out of water if you are in an isolated area.
104
Essential Idioms in English
at heart: basically, fundamentally
This idiom is used to describe the true character of a person.
O Amir sometimes seems quite unfriendly, but at heart he's a good person.
O The Fares often don't see eye to eye, but at heart they both love each other
very much.
on hand: available, nearby
This idiom is often followed by in case.
I always keep some extra money on hand in case I forget to get cash from
the bank.
The concert organizers arranged to have some security guards on hand in
case there were any problems during the performance.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
We'll have to use the restrooms on the next floor because the ones on this
floor are not in working condition.
a. run out of
b. torn down
c. out of order (Lesson 6)
2.
Jennifer seems unpleasant at times, but basically she's a kind person.
a. at heart
b. for sure
c. according to
SECTION 2
Intermediate 105
3.
The salesperson agreed to let me test the car for an hour or so to see if I
liked it.
a. try out
b. tear up
c. do without
4.
Because of his uniform, he was perceived as a police officer, but actually
he was just a security guard.
a. taken for
b. bound to
c. looked out (Lesson 5)
5.
On the authority of the courts, essential government workers cannot go on
strike or refuse to perform their jobs.
a. About to (Lesson 8)
b. According to
c. As a matter of fact (Lesson 14)
6.
Don't you hate to see the city demolish those old historic buildings, all in
the name of progress?
a. put out (Lesson 6)
b. tear down
c. go without
7.
You'd better make sure you have money available before you go to the store.
a. at heart
b. on the other hand (Lesson 17)
c. on hand
8.
I was ready to go to bed when someone knocked on my apartment door.
a. bound to
b. about to (Lesson 8)
c. feel like (Lesson 14)
106
Essential Idioms in English
9.
The President's speech was accepted so well that all the members of
Congress stood up and applauded.
a. went over
b. was bound to
c. found out (Lesson 2)
10.
Wes is planning to go with us to Disneyland without doubt.
a. out of the question (Lesson 8)
b. at last (Lesson 2)
c. for sure
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
If you lost your job and didn't have much money, what would you have to
do without?
2.
Why are students in some schools placed in classes according to ability?
3.
If parents want to raise their children well, what are they bound to do?
4.
If you see a man leaving a house through a window at night, what might
you take him for?
5.
What things would you be sure to try out before buying?
6.
Why might you feel like tearing up a letter or some schoolwork?
7.
Have you ever said or done something special that went over well? What
was it?
8.
What should you do if you run out of energy while you're studying in the
evening?
9.
Are you a serious person or a fun-loving person at heart?
10.
Do you like to keep cash on hand for emergencies? How much cash do you
keep on hand?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
107
Lesson
to bite off: to accept as a responsibility or task
This idiom is often used when one accepts more responsibility than one can handle
alone. It is usually used in the form to bite off more than one can chew.
e
When I accepted the position of chairman, I didn't realize how much I was
biting off.
e
When Tran registered for 18 units in his last semester at college, he bit off
more than he could chew.
to tell apart: to distinguish between
(also: to tell from) (S)
e
The two brothers look so much alike that few
people can tell them apart.
e
Most new cars are very similar in appearance.
It's almost impossible to tell one from another.
all in all: considering everything
e
e
There were a few problems, but all in all it was a well-organized seminar.
Leo got a low grade in one subject, but all in all he's a good student.
to pass out: to distribute (also: to hand out) (S); to lose consciousness
The verbal idiom to hand out can be made into the noun handout to refer to items
that are distributed.
108
e
Please help me pass out these test papers. It would take an hour to hand
them out by myself.
e
e
Alright, students, here are the class handouts for this week.
The weather was so hot in the soccer stadium that some of the fans in the
stands passed out.
Essential Idioms in English
to go around: to be sufficient or adequate for everyone present; to circulate, to move
from place to place
We thought that we had bought enough food and drink for the party, but
actually there wasn't enough to go around.
There's a bad strain of influenza going around right now. Have you gotten
your flu shots yet?
Gabriel has been going around telling people that he was accepted to
Harvard University. Do you believe him?
to be in the/one's way: to block or obstruct; not to be helpful, to cause
inconvenience (for both, also: to get in the/one's way)
Jocelyn couldn't drive through the busy intersection because a big truck was
in the way.
Our small child tried to help us paint the house, but actually he just got in
our way.
to put on: to gain (pounds or weight) (S); to present, to perform (S)
Bob has put on a lot of weight recently. He must have put at least fifteen
pounds on.
The Youth Actor's Guild put on a wonderful version of "Romeo and Juliet"
at the Globe Theater.
to put up: to construct, to erect (S); to lift, to raise upwards (S)
The construction company is tearing down that old office building in order
to put up a new one.
The store owner put up a sign listing the store's hours.
to put up with: to tolerate, to accept unwillingly
CJ The employee was fired because his boss could not put up with his mistakes
any longer.
While I'm studying, I can't put up with any noise or other distractions.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
109
in vain: useless, without the desired result
All the doctors' efforts to save the injured woman were in vain. She died
three hours after being admitted to the hospital.
We tried in vain to reach you last night. Is your phone out of order?
day in and day out: continuously, constantly (also: day after day; for longer periods
of time, year in and year out and year after year)
During the month of April, it rained day in and day out.
Day after day I waited for a letter from him, but one never came.
Year in and year out, the weather in San Diego is the best in the nation.
to catch up: to work with the purpose of fulfilling a requirement or being equal to
others
The idiom is often followed by the preposition with and a noun phrase. It is similar
in meaning to to keep up with from Lesson 17.
The student was absent from class so long that it took her a long time to
catch up.
If you are not equa-1 to others, first you have to catch up with them before
you can keep up with them.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
News circulated the office that the company president was being forced to
resign.
a. went over (Lesson 18)
b. went around
c. went on (Lesson 6)
110
Essential Idioms in English
2.
I'm sorry that I have to interrupt while you're talking, but there's an
important phone call for you, Mr. Mason.
a. break in (Lesson 17)
b. be in the way
c. put up with
3.
Several students had not been able to keep up with the rest of the class,
so they had a lot of difficulty working to be equal to the others.
a. putting on
b. catching up
c. putting up
4.
Marsha's efforts to open the door were useless; it was tightly shut.
a. all in all
b. in vain
c. no matter (Lesson 15)
5.
Jens didn't know anything about carpentry, so he only caused
inconvenience when he tried to help Tom build a storage room.
a. put up
b. passed out
c. got in the way
6.
Get in touch with me when you return from your trip, okay?
a. get back (Lesson 5)
b. go around
c. tell from
7.
Considering everything, I'm lucky to have a steady job, even if it isn't very
exciting.
a. All in all
b. At all (Lesson 4)
c. Day in and day out
SECTION 2 Intermediate
111
8.
The Lawsons couldn't tolerate the noise of the busy highway next to their
house any longer, so they decided to move.
a. put up
b. put up with
c. put out (Lesson 6)
9.
Are there enough snacks to be sufficient for everyone, or should we drive down
to the store for more?
a. to pass out
b. to go around
c. bite off
10.
The magician performed an amazing act for the audience of young people.
a. bit off
b. called for (Lesson 13)
c. put on
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Have you ever bitten off more than you could chew? Explain the situation.
2.
In what part of the world is it difficult to tell night and day apart?
3.
Have you ever passed out or seen someone pass out? What happened?
4.
What do people in an audience have to do if there are not enough seats to go
around?
5.
What should you tell someone who is in your way while you're working?
6.
How could someone put on a lot of weight in a short time?
7.
In class, when would you put up your hand? Is this easy or difficult for you to
do? Why?
8.
What are some of the things in life that you have trouble putting up with?
9.
How would you feel if you had to stay at home day in and day out taking care
of the housework and, perhaps, children? Would you feel satisfied or would
you feel unhappy? Explain your reasons.
10.
112
Have you ever found yourself catching up with others? What was the situation?
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to hold still: not to move (S)
Please hold still while I adjust your tie.
If you don't hold that camera still, you'll get a blurred picture.
to break the news: to deliver new, usually upsetting, information
I hated to break the news to Adam that he was fired from his job.
This morning, the radio station broke the news that the president had died.
to be the matter: to be unsatisfactory, to be improper, to be wrong
In a question, this idiom is used with what or something. In an answer, something or
nothing is usually used.
A: What is the matter, Corrine? You look very upset.
B: Yes, something is the matter. I've lost my purse!
A: Is something the matter, Chet? You don't look well.
B: No, nothing is the matter. I'm just a little under the weather.
to bring up: to rear, to raise from childhood (S); to mention, to raise an issue, to
introduce a topic (S)
Parents should bring up their children to be responsible members of society.
Jung wanted to bring the scheduling problem up at the club meeting, but
finally she decided against doing so.
One of the students brought up an interesting point related to the subject in
our textbook.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
113
to get lost: to become lost; to go away in order not to bother
The second definition provides a very informal, even rude, meaning that should be
used only with close friends. It is usually used in a joking manner.
e
While driving in Boston, we got lost and drove many miles in the wrong
direction.
e
Todd kept bothering me while I was studying, so I told him to get lost.
to hold up: to delay, to make late (S); to remain high in quality; to rob
A big accident held up traffic on the highway for several hours.
Deidre is amazed at how well her car has held up over the years.
e
A robber held up the local bank yesterday.
to run away: to leave without permission, to escape
e
The young couple ran away and got married because their parents wouldn't
permit it.
That cat runs away from anyone who tries to come near!
to rule out: to refuse to consider, to eliminate (S)
Heather ruled out applying to college in Texas because she would rather go
to school in Canada.
I'd like to watch a good movie on TV tonight, but a ton of homework rules
that out.
by far: by a great margin, clearly
e
Jacquie is by far the most intelligent student in our class.
This is by far the hottest, most humid summer we've had in years.
114
Essential Idioms in English
to see off: to say good-bye upon departure by train, airplane, bus, etc.
(also: to send off) (S)
A noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
O
We are going to the airport to see Peter off on his trip to Europe.
O
When I left for Cincinnati on a business trip, no one came to the train
station to send me off
to see out: to accompany a person out of a house, building, etc. (S)
A noun or pronoun must again divide the idiom.
The Johnsons were certain to see their guests out as each one left the party.
O
Would you please see me out to the car? It's very dark outside.
no wonder: it's no surprise that, not surprisingly
This idiom derives from reducing it is no
wonder that . ..
No wonder the portable heater doesn't work. It's not plugged into the
electrical outlet!
Jacques has been out of town for several weeks. No wonder we haven't
seen him recently.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
This new microwave isn't remaining high in
microwave that I had for over ten years.
quality as well as the
a. holding still
b. bringing up
c. holding up
SECTION 2
Intermediate 115
2.
When Tim's roommate asked to borrow Tim's car for the whole weekend,
Tim responded jokingly by saying, "Go away!"
a. Get lost
b. Rule out
c. Never mind (Lesson 2)
3.
The Simpson children were raised on a farm, so they have an appreciation
of nature that most children don't have.
a. put up (Lesson 19)
b. brought up
c. held up
4.
Would you like Alex
to accompany you outside to your car?
a. to see you off
b. to see you out
c. to see you about (Lesson 10)
5.
This is the best meal I've ever had in this restaurant
by a great margin.
a. by far
b. little by little (Lesson 2)
c. by myself (Lesson 3)
6.
The police eliminated the celebrity as a suspect in the murder case when
they learned that he was out of town at the time of the crime.
a. brought up
b. ruled out
c. saw out
7.
It's no surprise that the soup is cold. No one turned on the stove!
a. No matter (Lesson 15)
b. Nothing is the matter
c. No wonder
116
Essential Idioms in English
8.
I'm sorry I'm late. I was delayed by heavy traffic.
a. taken hold of (Lesson 11)
b. held up
c. held still
9.
The new flight attendant hesitated to raise the issue of overtime pay with
the union representative.
a. to bring up
b. to be the matter of
c. to be in charge of (Lesson 9)
10.
Occasionally Mary enjoys driving up to the mountains and camping by
herself.
a. Over and over again (Lesson 8)
b. Every now and then (Lesson 10)
c. Once in a blue moon (Lesson 13)
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Give an example of when you would have to hold still.
2.
Has anyone ever broken the news of something sad to you? How did you
respond?
3.
Where were you brought up? Did your parents bring you up well?
4.
Are there any topics that you would never bring up with your parents? Can
you mention any of them?
5.
Have you ever gotten seriously lost? What happened?
6.
Could you ever tell someone to get lost? Why or why not?
7.
Which countries manufacture products that generally hold up well?
8.
What kind of job would you definitely rule out for yourself? Why?
9.
When was the last time that someone saw you off?
10.
Why would you offer to see someone out of your house or apartment?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
117
Lesson
to go up: to increase; to be constructed, to be erected
The second definition is the same as the one for to put up in Lesson 19, except that
to go up is not used with a noun object.
Economists are predicting that consumer prices are going up.
A new office is going up in the downtown area. A major construction
company is putting it up.
to go up to: to approach (also: to come up to, to walk up to, to run up to, to drive
up to, etc.)
The related forms have the same meaning, but the type of movement is different.
After the lecture, several people in the audience went up to the speaker to
congratulate her.
The little girl came up to me and talked to me as if she had known me for
years.
Bill's friend didn't want to admit that they had gotten lost, but finally he
agreed to drive up to a gas station and inquire about the correct route.
to hand in: to submit or deliver something that is due (S)
Every student has to hand in an original composition each week of the
semester.
All the salespeople hand their weekly reports in on Friday.
in case: in order to be prepared if (something happens)
When the idiom occurs at the end of the sentence (as in the second example), then
the meaning is in order to be prepared if something happens. The "something"
might be an accident, a delay, etc.
You'd better close the windows in case it rains.
We should be sure to leave for the airport early, just in case.
118 Essential Idioms in English
to take apart: to disassemble, to separate the parts of
something (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom.
It is much easier to take a watch apart than it is to
assemble it.
The engine had a serious problem, so the
mechanic had to take it apart completely in
order to fix it.
to put together: to assemble (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom. The preposition back is used when
something has been broken or disassembled and then is being reassembled, as in
the second example.
Todd followed the directions on the box but he couldn't manage to put the
bicycle together properly.
After the teenager took the broken video game apart and fixed it, he was
unable to put it back together again.
to be better off: to be in a more favorable condition or situation
The opposite of this idiom is to be worse off.
Jim would be better off staying at home because of his cold.
You'd be much better off working in an office than in a factory.
The economies of some nations are worse off than they were several
decades ago.
to be well-off: to have enough money to enjoy a comfortable life, to be rich
(also: to be well-to-do)
They live in the best section of town in a large home; they are very well-off.
By the time I reach the age of fifty-five, I hope to be well-to-do and to travel
frequently.
SECTION 2 Intermediate
119
to take by surprise: to surprise, to amaze, to astonish (S)
A noun or pronoun usually divides this idiom.
•
The offer of a high-paying position with another company took me by
surprise.
The president's announcement that the university was in financial trouble
didn't take anyone by surprise.
to stress out: to worry, be anxious, or feel stress; to cause to worry, be anxious, or
feel stress (S)
Samantha is stressing out because her son is sick. Once his health improves,
she'll feel much better too.
Lance doesn't like to go over his finances because money matters stress
him out.
to name after: to give the same name as another (S)
Helen's parents named Helen after her grandmother.
My grandson is named after Calvin Coolidge, the 30th President of the
United States.
to hold on: to grasp tightly or firmly; to wait, to be patient (also: to hang on)
The second definition is often used when someone is talking on the telephone.
The little girl held on to her mother's hand and refused to let go as they
walked through the large crowd of people.
(on the telephone) Could you please hold on a moment while I get a pencil
and paper?
Hang on, Miranda, I'm not ready to go yet.
120 Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
~ indicated by number.
. A\
1.
In some countries,
being rich means just having a home for your family.
a. being worse off
b. being well-off
c. being up to (Lesson 11)
2.
Jake was astonished when he learned that he had been accepted to Yale
University.
a. taken by surprise
b. taken apart
c. better off
3.
We'd better take umbrellas with us
to be prepared ifit rains.
a. on the other hand (Lesson 17)
b. in case
c. in time to (Lesson 7)
4.
Surono wasn't able to submit his assignment to the teacher because he
had forgotten to do it.
a. to put together
b. to pass out (Lesson 19)
c. to hand in
5.
Suki is afraid to fly, so airplane trips really cause her to
worry.
a. take her apart
b. take her by surprise
c. stress her out
SECTION 2
Intermediate 121
6.
Dr. Madison has assembled an excellent team of administrators and
instructors for the staff of the new community college.
a. put together
b. taken apart
c. gone up
7.
Timmy, I asked you to be patient a moment while I finish getting dressed.
a. to take hold of (Lesson 11)
b. to hold on
c. to stress out
8.
I can't believe how prices are increasing more and more every year.
a. going up to
b. going up
c. going off (Lesson 16)
9.
Richard went to the library to locate information on the Civil War.
a. to look up (Lesson 4)
b. to look out (Lesson 5)
c. to look after (Lesson 14)
10.
When most men get lost, they are uncomfortable approaching other
people to ask for directions.
a. going up
b. stressing out
c. going up to
122 Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
up in your country? What factors can cause
1.
Is the cost of living going
prices to go up?
2.
Have you ever gone up to a famous person and asked for an autograph?
(An autograph is the signature of a famous person.)
3.
Do you always hand in assignments in class on time, or are you sometimes
late? Do you ever forget to hand them in?
4.
Do you keep any supplies on hand in case of an emergency? For which
types of emergencies are you prepared?
5.
As a child, did you enjoy
taking things apart? What kinds of things did you
take apart?
6.
After you took them apart, did you always
you always successful?
put them together again? Were
better off now than you were five years ago? How?
8. Do you consider yourself well-off? If not, do you expect to be well-off in
7.
Are you
the future? How do you expect to accomplish it?
9.
10.
Do you enjoy being taken
uncomfortable?
Are you
by surprise or do surprises make you
named after somebody? Who?
SECTION 2 Intermediate
123
Lesson
to stop by: to visit or stop somewhere briefly (also: to drop by, to drop in on)
To drop by and to drop in on are used for visits that are unplanned or unexpected.
Let's stop by the supermarket and pick up a few grocery items.
Since we're in the neighborhood, let's drop by Jiro's house. Do you think
he'd mind if we dropped in on him?
to drop (someone) a line: to write a note to someone (S)
As soon as I get to Florida, I'll drop you a line and tell you about my new
job.
If you have time, drop me a line now and then while you're traveling.
to give (someone) a call: to telephone (S)
(also: to call)
I'll give Hakim a call tomorrow to invite him to
the party.
Call me tomorrow, Jane. We'll arrange a time to
have lunch together.
to come across: to meet or find unexpectedly
(also: to run across); to be perceived or judged as
(also: to come off)
While Cheryl was cleaning the attic, she came across some very old coins. It
took her by surprise to run across something like that.
Jeff's boss comes across as a tough, unpleasant person, but actually Jeff says
that he is a good employer.
Some people come off quite differently than they really are.
124
Essential Idioms in English
to cross one's mind: to come to one's thoughts unexpectedly or briefly, to occur
to one
It didn't cross my mind to invite Rachelle to the party until it had already
started.
The thought of visiting Spain crossed my mind, but I went to Turkey
instead.
to stand for: to represent, to signify; to tolerate
The second definition is usually used in a negative sense.
The meaning is the same as to put up with in Lesson 19.
On the American flag, each star stands for one of the fifty states, and each
stripe stands for one of the original thirteen colonies of the 1800s.
The citizens wouldn't stand for the increase in crime in their city, so they
hired more police officers and built another jail.
to stand a chance: to have the possibility of accomplishing something
This idiom is often used with an adjective such as good or excellent. It also occurs in
the negative, sometimes with the adjective much.
The New York baseball team stands a good chance of winning the World
Series this year.
Because John doesn't have any previous work experience, he doesn't stand a
chance of getting that job.
The woman injured in the serious train accident doesn't stand much chance
of surviving.
to look on: to watch as a spectator, to observe
Hundreds of people were looking on as the police and firefighters rescued
the passengers in the wrecked train.
0 I stayed with my son at his first soccer practice and looked on as the coach
worked with the boys.
SECTION 2
Intermediate 125
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
In computer code, a binary number such as 10010001 represents a letter,
number, or other character on a computer keyboard.
a. stands for
b. looks on
c. figures out (Lesson 7)
2.
As John fell asleep, it occurred to
him that he hadn't fed his cat.
a. made an impression on him (Lesson 10)
b. gave him a call
c. crossed his mind
3.
I haven't heard from Ally lately; maybe I should
telephone her tonight.
a. look up to her
b. give her a call
c. keep her in mind (Lesson 16)
4.
Rhonda has
to briefly visit the pharmacy in order to get her medication.
a. to stop by
b. to pull off
c. to come across
5.
Did Frida
write you after she returned to Germany?
a. look down on you
b. drop you a line
c. look up to you
126 Essential Idioms in English
to look up to: to admire, to respect greatly
9
Children will most certainly look up to their parents if the children are
brought up well.
9
Everyone looks up to the director of our department because he is a kind
and generous person.
to look down on: to feel superior to, to think of someone as less important
9
People who are in positions of power should be careful not to look down on
those who work for them.
9
Why does Alma look down on Mario just because his family is so poor?
to take off: to leave the ground (for airplanes); to leave, often in a hurry
The noun form takeoff derives from this idiom.
9
The plane took off over an hour late. The passengers had to buckle their
seatbelts during takeoff.
9
Do you have to take off already? You just arrived an hour ago!
to pull off: to succeed in doing something difficult (S); to exit to the side of a road
(also: to pull over)
Q The group of investors pulled off a big deal by buying half the stock in
that company. I wonder how they pulled it off before the company could
prevent it.
9
The motorist pulled off the road when the police officer turned on the red
lights and the siren.
9
If you get a flat tire while driving, you should pull over right away.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
127
6.
How can you tolerate such a mess in your son's bedroom? You should
make him wash all those dirty clothes and clean up his room!
a. put away (Lesson 4)
b. look down on
c. stand for
7.
The crowd of political supporters was anxious on the night of the election.
a. taken off
b. stressed out (Lesson 21)
c. looked on
8.
While Jerry was walking down the sidewalk, he unexpectedly found a
twenty-dollar bill lying by the side of the road.
a. came across
b. came to (Lesson 13)
c. took off
9.
Leah managed to succeed in winning an important victory in a statewide
track and field competition this year, even though no one expected her to
do so.
a. to come off
b. to pull off
c. to take off
10.
However, I'm afraid that Leah doesn't have the possibility of winning a
medal in the Olympic Games next year.
a. stand a chance
b. stand for
c. stand to reason (Lesson 12)
128 Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
If you had to buy a birthday card, what kind of store would you stop by?
2.
Are you always certain to drop your friends a line when you travel? Why or
why not?
3.
What would you do if you came across a bag containing a large amount of
money?
4.
When giving a talk or lecture to an audience, how would a speaker want to
come across?
5.
What do the initials U.S.A. stand for? Are there initials that stand for your
country? What are they?
6.
What kind of person stands a chance of becoming a country's leader?
(consider a president, king, dictator, etc.)
7.
Do you prefer to be involved in playing a sport or just looking on?Why?
8.
Whom do you look up to most in life? Why?
9.
What kind of a person would you look down on? Should you avoid feeling
this way, or is it sometimes all right?
10.
When might you want to, or have to, take off from a party early? Have
you ever done this?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
129
Lesson
to make do: to manage, to cope
This idiom is used when a person must accept a substitute that is not the
most suitable.
Pearl doesn't have a clean shirt so she has to make do with the one she
wore yesterday.
During difficult economic times, many people have to make do with less.
to give birth to: to bear a human being or animal
Jane's mother has just given birth to twin girls.
The zoo's Siberian tiger just gave birth to a baby cub.
close call: a situation involving a narrow escape from danger (also: close shave)
We had a close call when a small fire in our kitchen almost spread to the
rest of the house.
Bob, that car nearly hit us! What a close shave!
to get on one's nerves: to annoy or disturb (also: to bug)
Laura loves to talk to anyone. Sometimes her chatter really gets on my
nerves.
Jack asked his neighbor to turn down the stereo because it was bugging
him and he couldn't concentrate.
to put down: to suppress, to quell (S); to criticize unfairly (S)
The police arrived just in time to put down the disturbance before it got
very serious.
Fred tries his best at playing tennis. You shouldn't put him down like that.
130
Essential Idioms in English
to go for: to be sold at a certain price; to seek or strive for; to agree with
or to consider
The third definition is similar to
to feel like (Lesson 14).
This dress probably goes for about $50, don't you think?
Peter was going for first place in the swim meet, but he wasn't able to do
better than third place.
You can ask Ava to give you the money, but I doubt that she'll go for it.
to be into: to have as an interest, such as a sport or hobby (also: to get into) (S)
What sports are you into? I don't have any time to get into sports.
to stay up: to remain awake, not to go to bed
I want to stay up tonight and watch a late movie on TV.
He stays up every night until after one o'clock, preparing his homework.
to stay in: to remain at home, not to go out
An idiom with the opposite meaning is to stay out.
On a rainy day, I like to stay in and read.
Young people are able to stay out late at night and get very little sleep.
to take over: to assume control or responsibility for (S); to do or perform again (S)
The meaning of the second definition is almost the same as do over in Lesson 11.
Also for the second definition, a noun or pronoun must divide the idiom.
That large investment company specializes in taking over smaller businesses
that are in financial trouble.
Most students didn't do well on the important test, so the instructor let
them take it over.
Little Mikey didn't have much chance to hit the baseball during practice, so
the coach let him take his turn over.
SECTION 2
Intermediate 131
to show up: to appear, to arrive; to be found or located (also for the second
definition: to turn up)
It really gets on my nerves that Ursula shows up late for every meeting.
Willie hopes that the watch he lost last Sunday shows up soon.
We've looked everywhere for that book, but it hasn't turned up yet.
to clean out: to empty, to tidy by removing (S); to steal, to rob (S); to buy or
purchase all of something (S)
It's time to clean out your closet so that you'll have more storage space.
A burglar entered my apartment while I was gone and cleaned me out. He
took over $200 in cash and jewelry.
Thousands of shoppers cleaned out the store that was selling all its products
at very reduced prices.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The instructor allowed the student to do the class again because he had
received a bad grade the first time.
a. to do without (Lesson 18)
b. to make do
c. to take over
2.
Last night my husband and I remained awake until after midnight waiting
for our daughter to return from a date.
a. stayed in
b. stayed up
c. showed up
132
Essential Idioms in English
3.
David doesn't have a possibility of winning enough money in Las Vegas to
buy a new car. He's just wasting his money by gambling.
a. have a close call
b. stand a chance (Lesson 22)
c. be better off (Lesson 21)
4.
We should get our refrigerator repaired soon. The rattling noise really
disturbs me.
a. turns me up
b. puts me down
c. gets on my nerves
5.
Mr. Fulsom was late leaving his office because a last-minute telephone call
delayed him.
a. took him over
b. held him up (Lesson 20)
c. went in for him
6.
Thousands of customers cleaned out the department store because
everything was being sold for a very cheap price.
a. was going for
b. was into
c. was coming to (Lesson 13)
7.
The other students in Judy's class criticize her unfairly because she enjoys
doing homework and helping the teacher.
a. put her down
b. get on her nerves
c. take her apart (Lesson 21)
SECTION 2
Intermediate
133
8.
Are there enough sandwiches to be sufficient for everyone, or should I go
to the kitchen to make more?
a. to get into
b. to make do
c. to go around (Lesson 19)
9.
When Ralph arrives, we'll discuss the matter of the missing funds.
a. cleans out
b. shows up
c. stays in
10.
I can't believe what a narrow escape it was when the car went off the road
and passed within a few feet of us.
a. lost cause (Lesson 17)
b. first-rate (Lesson 10)
c. close call
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
If your car was broken but you still needed to get to work, how would you
make do?
2.
Describe a close call that you, or someone you know, has had.
3.
When might babies or small children get on your nerves?
4.
What sports or hobbies are you into?
5.
How late do you usually stay up?
6.
Why might you decide to stay in instead of going out?
7.
For what reasons might large businesses take over smaller businesses?
Why would someone have to take a class over? Has this ever happened
8.
to you?
9.
10.
In the United States, when should you generally show up for a business
meeting? When should you show up for a casual party?
What would be a good reason for cleaning out a garage?
134 Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to knock out: to make unconscious (S)
The noun form knockout derives from this idiom.
The prizefighter knocked out his opponent with
one punch in the first five seconds of the first
round.
It was the fastest knockout in boxing history.
to knock oneself out: to work very hard (sometimes
too hard) to do something
A reflexive pronoun must divide the idiom.
She really knocked herself out trying to pass that difficult class.
Don't knock yourself out during practice. Save your strength for the
competition later.
to carry out: to accomplish, to execute (S) (also: to go through with)
It's easy to make a plan for losing weight, but it's always much harder to
carry it out.
Charles promised to go through with his plan to enroll in graduate school
and get an advanced degree.
to run into: to meet someone unexpectedly; to crash or collide into
(also: to bump into)
It was a shock to run into an old friend from high school when I was on
vacation last month.
The drunk driver was slightly injured when he ran into a telephone pole.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
135
to set out: to start traveling toward a place (also: to set off, to head out); to arrange
or display neatly (also: to lay out) (S)
We set out for the top of the mountain at dawn.
e
Unfortunately, as we set off, it started to snow heavily, so we decided to
head out again later.
The children tried to set out the dishes on the table, but their dad had to
help to lay them out properly.
to set out to: to intend to, to act purposefully to
We set out to paint the house in one day, but quickly realized that it would
be impossible to do so.
Janet set out to compete for the large scholarship grant by writing a good
essay.
to draw up: to prepare documents or legal papers (S)
Our lawyer agreed to draw up the contract next month. We had hoped he
would draw it up sooner than that.
give and take: compromise, cooperation between people
e
e
Give and take is an important element of a successful marriage.
Most business negotiations involve give and take between the parties
involved.
to drop out of: to stop attending; to withdraw from
This idiom can be made into the noun form dropout.
Some students drop out of secondary school early in order to get jobs.
However, such dropouts often regret their decision later in life.
Two more baseball teams have dropped out of the youth league due to a
lack of players.
136
Essential Idioms in English
to believe in: to accept as true, have faith in
Some people believe in being honest in all human affairs, while others
accept the need to lie in order to get one's way.
Throughout the history of man, some cultures have believed in one god
while others have believed in the existence of many gods.
to cheer up: to make happier, to feel less sad (S)
We all tried to cheer up the little boy when he started to cry.
After the death of Deanne's husband, it was difficult to cheer her up at all.
to make sense: to be sensible or reasonable
It makes sense to wait until a sunny day to visit the park together.
That Jimmy ran away from home suddenly doesn't make sense to any of us.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicoted by number.
1.
Alberto has
enterprise.
faith in his own ability to succeed in his new business
a. is in charge of (Lesson 9)
b. carries out
c. believes in
2.
Cooperation is important in all relationships between people, especially
those who must live and work together closely.
a. Making sense
b. Seeing eye to eye (Lesson 16)
c. Give and take
SECTION 2
Intermediate
137
3.
Cynthia intended to finish her term paper in one day, but actually it took
her three days.
a. went through with
b. set out to
c. knocked herself out to
4.
The bicyclist
collided with a wall and was scraped up badly.
a. ran into
b. run out of (Lesson 18)
c. put up with (Lesson 19)
5.
The student apologized to his teacher for submitting the essay late.
a. handing in (Lesson 21)
b. dropping out of
c. carrying out
6.
In order to avoid the early morning rush hour traffic, we
before down.
started traveling
a. laid out
b. set out
c. went out (Lesson 8)
7.
My friends tried to make me feel happier when I learned that I couldn't
graduate because I had to take one class over.
a. to make me sense
b. to cheer me up
c. to change my mind (Lesson 5)
8.
It isn't reasonable to ruin one's health by drinking alcohol and smoking
cigarettes.
a. doesn't make a difference (Lesson 3)
b. doesn't make up your mind (Lesson 5)
c. doesn't make sense
138
Essential Idioms in English
9.
Peter raised an important issue regarding the next soccer tournament at
the club meeting.
a. put up (Lesson 19)
b. brought up (Lesson 20)
c. drew up
10.
Stacy worked very hard to prepare a nice meal for her family at their
reunion.
a. set out
b. carried out
c. knocked herself out
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Have you ever been knocked out? What happened?
2.
Have you ever knocked yourself out to accomplish something? What was it?
3.
When you set goals for yourself, do you usually carry them out?
4.
When was the last time that you ran into someone from your past?
5.
Why should a store be careful in how it sets out its product displays?
6.
Have you drawn up a will? Why is it important to do so?
7.
Why might an athlete drop out of a sporting event? Has this ever
happened to you?
8.
Do you believe in capitalism as an economic system? Why or why not?
9.
If someone has just lost a job, what could you do or say to cheer him or
her up?
10.
For some people, it makes sense to spend most of the extra income they
make. Would this be true for you? Why or why not?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
139
Lesson
to burst out: to depart quickly (also: to storm out); to act suddenly
For the second definition, this idiom is usually followed by a gerund form such as
laughing, crying, singing, etc.
Faye and Debbie were so angry at each other that one of them burst out the
front door of the house and the other stormed out the back door.
It was so funny to see a little baby in the audience burst out crying when the
choir group burst out singing at the start of the recital.
to get away: to get free, to escape
We always try to get away from the noise and heat of the city for a month
or two each summer.
No one knows how the suspected criminal got away from the police.
to get away with: to avoid punishment for
Jonathan tries to get away with coming late to work almost every day;
someday he'll suffer the consequences.
Terence can't continue to put his friends down like that and expect to get
away with it forever.
to serve (someone) right: to receive one's just punishment (S)
This idiom is usually used at the beginning of a sentence after the subject it.
Compare the following examples with those in the previous idiom above.
It serves Jonathan right to be fired from his job.
It serves Terence right that none of his friends are willing to hang out with
him anymore.
140
Essential Idioms in English
to keep up: to prevent from sleeping (S); to continue maintaining (speed, level of
work, condition, etc.) (S)
0
Could you please turn down the TV volume? You're keeping up the
children.
O
If we can keep up this speed, we should arrive there in about two hours.
0
James is so proud of his daughter for getting mostly Ns in school. He's
certain that she can keep up the good work.
The Federal Reserve Bank hopes to keep the value of the dollar up at least
through the rest of the year.
to keep up with: to have current knowledge of; to understand as an explanation
This idiom should be compared to the meaning of to keep up with in Lesson 17.
Evan keeps up with world affairs by reading a news magazine each week.
O
I understand a lot of the Spanish language, but I can't keep up with the fast
conversation in this Mexican film.
to stand out: to be easily visible or noticeable (also: to stick out)
This idiom is used for someone or something that is different from all others.
Her bright red hair makes her stand out from others in the group.
Brandon Styles is a tall, distinguished gentleman who sticks out in any
crowd.
to let on: to reveal or tell what you know, to hint
We are going to the movies tonight and we don't want Doris to go. If you
see her, make sure not to let on.
They asked me not to let on to Ted that we're planning the birthday party;
it's supposed to be a big surprise.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
141
to go wrong: to fail, to result badly
Something went wrong with the engine, so we had to have the car towed to
a garage.
Shawn should have been here over an hour ago; I'm certain that something
went wrong.
to meet (someone) halfway: to compromise with someone
Steve wanted $4,500 for his car, and Gwen offered $4,000. They met each
other halfway and agreed on $4,250.
After a long process of give and take, the owners of the company agreed to
meet the workers halfway by providing some additional health benefits but
no wage mcrease.
to check up on: to examine with the purpose of determining condition
(also: to check on)
The noun form checkup derives from this idiom.
The government always checks up on the background of employees who are
hired for sensitive military projects.
The doctor wants me to have a thorough medical checkup as part of a
preventive medicine program.
to stick up: to point or place upwards (S); to rob (S)
The second definition of this idiom has the same meaning as the third definition of
to hold up (Lesson 20).
You should put some water on your hair. It's sticking up in the back.
A masked thief stuck up a grocery store in the neighborhood last night.
142
Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
That professor lectures so quickly that I have trouble understanding his
explanations.
a. keeping him up
b. checking up on him
c. keeping up with him
2.
We hope to escape this weekend for some camping in the mountains.
a. to get away with
b. to break out (Lesson 12)
c. to get away
3.
That man's purple pants and pink shirt really are noticeable from a long
distance.
a. stand out
b. keep up
c. stop by (Lesson 22)
4.
The government was forced to assume control of a failing financial
institution.
a. to take over (Lesson 23)
b. to burst out
c. to go wrong
5.
You should really compromise with Sally and agree to share the cost of the
car repairs.
a. serve Sally right
b. meet Sally halfway
c. check on Sally
SECTION 2 Intermediate
143
6.
How do you manage to have current knowledge of political affairs when
you're so busy working?
a. to let on
b. to keep up with
c. to be in charge of (Lesson 9)
7.
Considering everything, we did a very good job of building that storage
room by ourselves.
a. All along (Lesson 2)
b. Letting on
c. All in all (Lesson 19).
8.
The heat and humidity prevented me from sleeping late into the night.
a. kept me up
b. stuck me up
c. cut me off (Lesson 16)
9.
No one in the audience reacted to the comedian's first joke except Tamara,
who acted suddenly by laughing.
a. got away with
b. cut down on (Lesson 9)
c. burst out
10.
Please be sure not to reveal that we already know about Hal's upcoming
retirement. He hasn't officially announced it yet.
a. to let on
b. to stick out
c. to storm out
144
Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Why might you burst out of a place such as a room, office, apartment,
house, etc?
2.
What do you like to do when you get away for a while?
3.
As a child, what did you try to get away with? Did you usually succeed, or
did your parents usually catch you?
4.
Some people think that it serves someone right to receive the death
penalty for the crime of murder. Do you agree or disagree?
5.
What might keep you up at night? Do you usually go to sleep easily or with
difficulty?
6.
Do you try to keep up with world events? What is your preferred source of
information?
7.
In the room that you are in right now, what stands out the most?
8.
What could go wrong during a travel tour of a foreign country?
9.
Are you ever willing to meet someone halfway even after you have made
up your mind about something? Why or why not?
10.
Why is it important for a doctor to check up on your health? Do you go to
the doctor regularly for a checkup?
SECTION 2
Intermediate 145
Lesson
to come about: to happen
I didn't find any explanation in the newspaper about how the political coup
came about.
The flood came about as a result of the heavy winter rains.
to bring about: to cause to happen
This idiom is used to indicate who or what caused something to come about.
John brought about the accident because of his carelessness.
The heavy rains we have each spring bring about serious flooding.
to build up: to increase slowly, to make stronger
gradually (S)
They built up their savings account so that they
could buy a new house.
e
The professional athlete exercises regularly to
build her strength up.
to die down: to decrease, to lessen in strength or intensity
The hurricane became a less serious tropical storm
when its winds died down.
We let the fire in the fireplace die down and enjoyed watching the embers as
they glowed in the dark.
to fade away: to diminish gradually in time or distance
The memory of that unpleasant experience has slowly faded away.
The music of the band gradually faded away as the parade passed down the
street.
146
Essential Idioms in English
to die out: not to exist anymore; to be in the process of disappearing
Scientists still are not sure exactly why the dinosaurs died out.
That strange, new style of dancing is slowly dying out.
to make out: to read or see clearly (S); to prepare a legal document, such as a will,
a check, etc. (S)
The letter was so poorly handwritten that I couldn't make out many of the
words.
Harold, please make the check out to Acme Piano Company.
to live up to: to fulfill (a standard or promise)
It was clear that the lazy student would never live up to his family's
expectations.
It surprised us that the car salesperson lived up to all the promises he made.
to stick to: to adhere to (a promise), to follow or obey (a set of rules,
procedures, etc.)
He made a promise to his wife to quit smoking and drinking, and so far he
has stuck to it.
All organizations expect their employees to stick to established work rules
and procedures.
If you try hard to stick to your principles, then you'll be able to live up to
them.
to rip off: to cheat, to take unfair advantage of
The noun form ripoff derives this idiom.
The car dealership certainly ripped me off when I bought this car. It has
caused me trouble constantly.
You paid over $400 for that jacket? What a ripoff!
SECTION 2
Intermediate
147
to stand up for: to insist on, to demand; to defend, to support
e
If you don't stand up for your rights in court, the lawyers will try to stick it
to you.
e
Frank stood up for his friend, who was being put down by other teenagers.
to cut corners: to economize, to save money
e
Most students live on limited budgets and have to cut corners whenever
possible.
e
The Livingstons have nine children, so it is essential that they cut corners at
all times.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The other workers defended their co-worker who was accused of stealing
from the factory warehouse.
a. stuck to
b. stood up for
c. built up
2.
It is sensible to check at several dealerships for tile best price for a new
car model.
a. makes it clear (Lesson 13)
b. makes out
c. makes sense (Lesson 24)
3.
The army
fulfilled the commanders' expectations by defeating the enemy.
a. lived up to
b. ripped off
c. counted on (Lesson 6)
148
Essential Idioms in English
4.
Memories of my youth gradually diminish as I grow older.
a. fade away
b. build up
c. come about
5.
Some species of animals will not exist anymore unless human beings act
to save them.
a. die down
b. die out
c. tire out (Lesson 2)
6.
After a long illness, Mr. Felson needed time
again.
to slowly increase his strength
a. to get better (Lesson 7)
b. to bring about
c. to build up
7.
You can profit from the knowledge of an experienced teacher like Tony in
improving your own skills.
a. take advantage of (Lesson 15)
b. make out
c. look into (Lesson 11)
8.
When Mrs. Tieg lost her job, the Tieg family had
survive financially.
to economize in order to
a. to rip off
b. to cut corners
c. to tear up (Lesson 18)
9.
How did your marketing trip to Asia
result?
a. come about
b. turn out (Lesson 13)
c. bring about
SECTION 2 Intermediate
149
10.
The elderly woman couldn't renew her driver's license because she
couldn't read clearly the letters on the sign during the vision test.
a. come about
b. look after (Lesson 14)
c. make out
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
2.
about that you are using this book to study idioms?
How could someone bring about a serious car accident? Has this ever
How did it come
happened to you?
build up your knowledge of idiomatic expressions?
4. What could cause your love for someone to die down?
5. What is an interesting memory of your childhood that has not faded away?
3.
Why is it important to
6.
Should people be concerned about animal and plant species that are
dying out? Why or why not?
7.
How can people correct their vision if they have trouble
at a far distance?
8.
What is the difference between
9.
How do citizens
10.
150
sticking to a promise and living up to it?
stand up for their country?
How might you cut corners if you had to do so?
Essential Idioms in English
making out things
Lesson
to take on: to employ, to hire (S); to accept responsibility for, to undertake
e
e
That factory is taking a lot of new employees on for its new production line.
Would you be willing to take on the task of organizing the next company
picnic?
to take down: to remove from an elevated place (S); to write what is said, to note
The first definition of this idiom has the opposite meaning of the second definition
to put up (Lesson 19).
G We should take the pictures down from the wall and clean off the dust.
G The secretary took down everything that was said at the meeting.
to fall through: to fail to materialize, not to succeed
This idiom is usually used with the noun plan or plans as the subject.
G Our plan to travel to Europe last summer fell through when we were unable
to save up enough money.
G Felix made plans to have a party for everyone in his office, but they fell
through at the last moment.
to fall behind: to lag, to fail to keep up (also: to get behind)
This idiom has the opposite meaning of the second definition of to keep up
(Lesson 25).
e
Eve fell behind in her studies and finally had to drop out of school.
G If you get behind in your car payments, the finance company may repossess
it from you.
to give in: to surrender, to stop resisting
G Completely surrounded by our soldiers, the enemy finally gave in.
G Management gave in to the strikers' demands and agreed to a shortened
work week.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
151
to give off: to release, to produce, to release
When water boils, it gives off steam.
The flowers in this garden give off a lovely scent.
to give out: to distribute; to become exhausted or depleted (also: to run out)
The first definition has the same meaning as the first definition of to pass out
(Lesson 19).
An usher stood at the door of the theater giving out programs.
I couldn't finish the ten-mile race because my energy gave out.
Jeff plans to travel through South America until his money runs out.
to have it in for: to want revenge on, to feel hostile towards (also: to hold a
grudge against)
Martina expects to lose her job because her boss has had it in for her for a
long time.
The teacher has held a grudge against Al ever since the time that he insulted
her in front of the class.
to have it out with: to quarrel with, to confront
I am going to have it out with Jack about all the times that he has told us
lies.
Ben had it out with his roommate about coming back home so late and
making a lot of noise.
to hold off: to delay, or to be delayed, in occurring (S)
This idiom has the same meaning as to put off (Lesson 5) when a noun or pronoun is
used as an object, as in the second example.
If the rain holds off for a few more days, they can finish planting the rest of
the crop.
The judge agreed to hold off his decision until new evidence could be
introduced into court.
152
Essential Idioms in English
to hold out: to endure, to be sufficient; to survive by resisting; to persist in
one's efforts
The first definition for to hold out has the opposite meaning of the second definition
for to give out (seventh idiom, this lesson).
9
If our supply of food and water holds out, we plan to camp here for another
week. However, whenever it gives out, we'll have to leave.
9
That nation's troops cannot hold out much longer against the superior
forces of the enemy.
The valuable football player held out for more money before signing a new
contract with his team.
to hold over: to extend, to keep for a longer time (S)
9
They are going to hold over that movie for another week because so many
people are coming to see it.
9
Let's hold discussion of this problem over until our next meeting.
EXERCISES
Choose the appropriate idiomatic expression to substitute for the italicized
word or words in each sentence below. Idioms from previous lessons are
indicated by number.
1.
The traveling circus was so popular in our city that it was kept for a longer
time.
a. held out
b. held off
c. held over
2.
Please put the trash outside; it's producing a terrible smell in here.
a. giving off
b. giving out
c. giving in
SECTION 2 Intermediate
153
3.
I'm really sorry that your plans to travel to New Zealand
failed to
materialize.
a. fell behind
b. fell through
c. did without (Lesson 18)
4.
Would Mary be willing to
overloaded with work?
undertake a new project even though she's
a. to take down
b. to take on
c. to take up with (Lesson 15)
5.
Please don't reveal that you have knowledge of that secret contractual
agreement.
a. take down
b. give in
c. let on (Lesson 25)
6. The campers lost on the high mountain were able to survive against the
cold weather by building a fire and keeping together.
a. to hold still (Lesson 20)
b. to hold out
c. to put out (Lesson 6)
7.
I can't attend class tonight, so would you mind
instructor says?
writing notes on what the
a. running out
b. taking down
c. pointing out (Lesson 7)
8. The committee
delayed deciding when to have the next board election.
a. held off
b. fell behind
c. called off (Lesson 5)
154
Essential Idioms in English
9.
My boss hasn't spoken to me in a week. I wonder if he feels
because of our disagreement about the labor negotiations.
hostile toward me
a. has it in for
b. has it out with
c. holds out
10.
The rescue team reached the miners trapped deep in the earth before their
small supply of air became exhausted.
a. fell behind
b. burned out (Lesson 12)
c. gave out
B ·~
~
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
take on when they decide to have children?
1.
What responsibilities do parents
2.
Why is it advisable to
talks?
3.
When was the last time that an event or plan
4.
Do you usually fall
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
take down what is said during important discussions or
fell through for you?
behind in your work, or do you usually keep up with it? Why?
When you have it out with a friend, do you usually stick to your opinion or do
you often give in? Why?
What are the possible dangers of the pollution that factories give off?
When you exercise heavily, does your energy quickly give out? Why or why not?
Have you ever had it in for someone? How did you feel, or what did you do?
When you have it out with someone, do you usually show your emotions
clearly, or do you stay calm and control them?
10.
How long can a human being hold out without food? Without water?
SECTION 2
Intermediate
155
Collocations
Idioms are expressions made up of words that take on new and different
meanings when they are used in combination with one another. Collocations,
on the other hand, are simply words that are traditionally used together by
native English speakers, so that their combination becomes expected. Unlike
idioms, the individual words in collocations retain their own meaning.
Collocations can occur in a number of different patterns, including adjective
+ noun, verb + noun, verb + adverb, noun + verb, and noun + noun.
take care: pay close attention to make sure something bad, like an accident, doesn't
happen
e
The roads are really icy, so take care driving.
take a look: read or consider something quickly, especially in order to decide what
to do
e
Can you take a look at this proposal so we can discuss it in the meeting?
take place: occur
e
The meeting took place in New York City.
take sides: choose to support a particular opinion or person
e
I don't want to take sides when you two argue-I think you're both right!
take your pick: select one of two or more things offered
e
There's vanilla, chotolate, and strawberry-take your pick.
break a habit: stop doing something that you have done regularly for a long time,
often something harmful
e
156
It took a long time for Joao to break the habit of staying up until two in the
morning-he'd been doing it since he was in his teens!
Essential Idioms in English
break the law: disobey a law
9
When Dana crossed the street against the red light, she actually broke the law.
break a story: be the first to write or distribute a piece of news
9
Nightly News was the first program to break the story about the company's
financial problems.
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks to complete the collocations.
I wasn't sure where the meeting would take
, but I
knew that it would be the next morning. We were going to talk about
the problems the company was having. I wasn't sure whether I should
take
in the dispute between the president and the
financial manager-all I knew was that it looked like somebody had
broken
, and I didn't want to be a part of it. Frankly, I
thought either one of them could have done it- take
Before the meeting, I wanted to take
at the files so
I would be familiar with them. What I saw really troubled me. I know
it's hard to break
when you've been doing it for a long
time, but someone should have made these managers stop a long time
ago. It was only a matter of time before some news reporter would
break
really take
. I decided I would go to the meeting, but I would
not to say anything to cause trouble.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
157
Review: Lessons 14 to 27
A
Match the idiom in the left column with the definition in the right column.
1.
once and for all
a. in order to be prepared if
2.
lost cause
b. especially, mainly
3. all in all
c. hopeless situation
4. by far
d. eventually
5. give and take
e. clearly, by a great margin
6. in touch
f. for only one time
7. above all
g. compromise, cooperation
8. in the long run
h. basically, fundamentally
9. close call
i. finally, absolutely
10.
in case
j. narrow escape from danger
11.
for once
k. considering everything
12.
at heart
I. having contact
In the space provided, mark whether each sentence is true (T) or false (F).
1. __ If a friend doesn't want you to make fun of him, the friend
might tell you to shut up.
2. _ _ If you run into someone at the store, you are sticking to an
appointment.
3. _ _ If you agree to meet someone fifty-fifty, it becomes a matter of
give and take.
4. _ _ If you want to keep in touch with someone, you might decide to
stop by their place for a while.
158
Essential Idioms in English
5. _ _ If someone cuts corners to save money, she probably does
without things she would like to have.
6. _ _ If you fall behind in your studies because you don't try to keep
up with the other students, it serves you right.
7. _ _ If something is going wrong with your car, then it is holding up
well.
8. _ _ If someone is very well-off, the person probably has to cut
corners.
9. _ _ If you haven't heard from someone in a long time, you might
drop the person a line.
10. _ _ If you are really into a certain sport, you might set out to be the
best you can at it.
11. _ _ If you don't want to make do without something during an
emergency, you should keep it on hand.
12. _ _ If a repairman were trying to fix a complicated watch, he would
hold still while taking it apart.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using call listed below.
Some expressions come from Lessons 1 to 13.
1.
to call
to call for
to call it a day
to call off
close call
It was a _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when the tire blew out on the busy
highway.
2.
We _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ early because we had been working since six
o'clock in the morning.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
159
3.
This recipe _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ cream, but there isn't any in the
refrigerator. I'll have to stop by the store and pick up some.
4.
Soo _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ her boyfriend in Korea almost every day. The
phone bill is her biggest expense.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using
Some expressions come from Lessons 1 to 14.
make listed below.
1. It doesn't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to me where we eat out tonight. It's
your decision.
2.
Children love _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ each other by joking and teasing.
3;
It took the Petersons only two hours to go from downtown Los Angeles
to San Diego by car. They really _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ on that trip.
4.
Could you help me understand this lesson? It doesn't
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to me.
5.
The recipe calls for butter, but I don't have any. I'll just have
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ with margarine.
6.
When you leave the house, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to look the front door.
7.
Cheryl couldn't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the letters on the sign in the
distance because it was getting too dark.
160
Essential Idioms in English
8.
Did you _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to Deborah that
she's not welcome at the dinner party? She'd better not show up.
9.
There's nothing we can do at this point to change the unfortunate
situation. We'll just have _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it and go on from here.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using
Some expressions come from Lessons 1 to 14.
to put on
to put away
to put off
to put out
to put down
to put up with
put listed below.
to put together
1.
Johnny, before you can go outside to play, you have
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ all the toys and clothes on the floor of your room.
2.
There's too much noise in here for me to study. I can't
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ it any longer.
3.
It's quite cold tonight. I think we should _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ some
warmer clothing before we go outside.
4.
Please _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ your cigarette in the ashtray immediately.
No smoking is allowed in here.
5.
I can't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ doing that important assignment any
longer. It's due in just three days.
6.
The military troops used force _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ the mass
demonstration against the corrupt government.
7.
Shari's father helped _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ her new bicycle, which came
in pieces in a box.
SECTION 2
Intermediate
161
Lesson
to let up: to slacken, to lessen in intensity; to relax or ease one's effort (also: related
idiom: to take it easy)
9
If the rain doesn't let up soon, we won't be able to have our picnic.
9
When Jane is working, she never lets up for a moment.
9
Jane should take it easy or she'll get exhausted.
to lay off: to abstain from or reduce the amount of; to release
or discharge from a job (also: related idiom:
to let go) (S)
9
If you're trying to lose weight, you should lay
off sweet things.
9
If business continues to be slow, we will have
to lay off some workers.
O It will be necessary to let the newest employees
go first.
to bring out: to show or introduce (to the public) (S); to make available (S)
9
Most automobile companies bring out new models each year.
9
My mother brought some snacks out for my friends and me to have.
to bring back: to return a bought or borrowed item (also: to take back) (S)
To bring back is used when you are speaking at the place that an item is bought or
borrowed; to take back is used when speaking at another place.
9
Our store policy is that you can bring back the dress as long as you have
your sales receipt.
9
You can borrow my car if you promise to bring it back by six o'clock.
9
I have to take this book back to the library today.
SECTION 3 Advanced
165
to wait up for: to wait until late at night without going to bed
Don't wait up for me. I may be back after midnight.
We waited up for our son until 11:45
P.M.
before we called the police.
to leave (someone or something) alone: not to disturb, to stay away from (S)
(also: to let alone)
Leave the baby alone for a while and she may go to sleep.
After the cat had scratched Peter twice, he let it alone.
let alone: and certainly not (also: much less, not to mention)
Let alone is used after negative forms. The example that follows let alone is much
less possible than the example that precedes let alone.
I'm too sick today to walk home, let alone to go to the zoo with you.
He doesn't even speak his own language well, much less French.
to break off: to terminate, to discontinue (S)
After war began, the two countries broke off diplomatic relations.
Elsa and Bob were once engaged, but they have broken it off.
to wear off: to disappear gradually
My headache isn't serious. It will wear off after an hour or so.
The effect of the painkilling drug didn't wear off for several hours.
to wear down: to become worn gradually through use (also: to wear away,
to wear through) (S)
Compare with to wear out (to become useless from wear) in Lesson 8.
If you drag your feet while you walk, you'll wear down your shoes quickly.
166
Essential Idioms in English
e
e
The pounding of ocean waves against the coast gradually wears it away.
Johnny has worn through the seat of his pants.
on the whole: in general, in most ways (also: for the most part)
e
e
He is, on the whole, a good student.
For the most part, I agree with your suggestions.
touch and go: risky, uncertain until the end
e
e
The complicated medical operation was touch and go for several hours.
The outcome of the soccer final was touch and go for the entire match.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
Mary discontinued her relationship with Paul because she couldn't ...
Mary broke off her relationship with Paul because she couldn't put up
with him anymore.
2.
The effect of the medicine disappeared gradually after I ...
3.
I think that we should wait without going to bed for our daughter until she ...
4.
In general, it is best for a student learning English to ...
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167
5. The company was forced
business ...
return your jacket to the store if you ...
6.
Sir, you can
7.
The outcome of the 100-meter race was
runners ...
8.
I have no time to visit the park,
9.
If the snowstorm doesn't slacken, we won't be able to ...
10.
168
to release hundreds of workers because
I want you
uncertain because the four
and certainly not the ...
not to disturb me so that I ...
Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
If you want to keep a favorite pair of shoes, what can you do when the sole
(bottom) of the shoes wears down?
2.
Have you ever been worried and had to
person late?
wait up for someone? Why was the
bring out new car models each year?
4. In your country, is it possible to take back an item to a store after you have
3.
Why do automobile companies
bought it?
to let up if you have been working for several hours
5.
Why is it important
without a break?
6.
Give an example of when you should
7.
Why should smokers
8.
How long does it take for the effects of a drug such as alcohol
9.
For what reasons would one country break off relations with another
country?
10.
leave a child alone.
lay off smoking cigarettes?
to wear off?
On the whole, what is your favorite music?
SECTION 3 Advanced
169
Lesson
to work out: to exercise; to develop, to devise (a plan); to proceed or end
successfully (S)
The noun form workout derives from the first definition of this idiom.
e
Jane works out at the fitness center every other morning before going to
school. She gets a good workout there.
e
e
The advertising department worked out a plan to increase company sales.
e
We couldn't come up with a good plan for solving the problem, but we
agreed to work it out at a later date.
Blake's sketches for his engineering project look incorrect. I doubt it will
work out.
to back up: to drive or go backwards (S}; to defend, to support (S}; to return to a
previous thought
e
I couldn't back my car up because there was a bicycle in the driveway
behind me.
Kyoko asked her friends to back her up when she went court to fight her
speeding ticket.
e
Wait a minute. Could you back up and say that again?
to b~ck out: to drive a vehicle out of a parking space (S); to withdraw support, to fail
to fulfill a promise or obligation
e
The parking lot attendant had to back another car out before he could get
to mine.
e
We were all ready to sign the contracts when one of the parties to the
agreement backed out.
to have one's heart set on: to desire greatly, to be determined to
e
170
She has her heart set on taking a trip abroad. She's been thinking about it
for months.
Essential Idioms in English
Todd has his heart set on going to medical school and becoming a doctor.
to buy up: to buy the complete stock of (S)
Before the hurricane struck, residents bought up all the food and water in
local stores.
The government plans to buy up all surplus grain in order to stabilize the
pnce.
to buy out: to purchase a business or company (S); to purchase all of a person's
shares or stock (S)
This idiom is similar in meaning to to take over in Lesson 23.
Larger companies often buy out smaller companies that are having financial
difficulties.
Mr. Lee has been trying for some time to buy his partner out so that he can
control the company by himself.
to sell out: to sell all items (S); to arrange for the sale of a company or business (S);
to abandon one's beliefs or principles for money or success
That store is closing its doors for good and is selling out everything this
weekend.
If my new business enterprise is successful, I'll sell it out for a few million
dollars.
The politician sold out when he changed political parties to win the election.
to catch on: to become popular or widespread; to understand, to appreciate a joke
This idiom is often used with the preposition to for the second definition.
Fashions of the past often catch on again among young people.
When the teacher speaks quickly like that, can you catch on easily?
His joke was very funny at the time, but when I told it to others later,
nobody seemed to catch on. I had to tell the joke again before anyone could
catch on to it.
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171
. to be cut out for: to have the necessary skills or talent for
This idiom is most often used in the negative or in questions.
•
John is certainly not cut out for the work of a trial lawyer.
•
Are you certain that you are cut out for that kind of job?
to throw out: to discard (S); to remove by force (S); to refuse to consider,
to reject (S)
•
Instead of throwing out our paper waste in the office, we should recycle it.
•
When a fight broke out between two people on the dance floor, the
management threw them out.
•
The judge threw the case out because there was not enough evidence against
the defendant.
to throw up: to erect or construct quickly (S); to vomit (S)
•
The Red Cross threw up temporary shelters for the homeless victims of the
earthquake.
•
The ill patient is unable to digest her food properly, so she is throwing all
of it up.
to clear up: to make understandable (also: to straighten out) (S); to become sunny
•
The teacher tried to clear up our confusion about the meaning of the
difficult paragraph in the reading.
•
It's rather cloudy this morning. Do you think that it will clear up later?
172 Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
After Jane exercised for an hour at the gym, she ...
2.
Larry defended his friend who was accused of ...
3.
The company withdrew support for the joint venture when ...
4.
This weekend I really am determined to ...
5.
That company will have to sell all its items if ...
6.
When a new product becomes popular, stores should ...
7.
I don't think that Felix has the necessary talent for parenthood because
he ...
8.
Instead of discarding newspapers and plastics, people should ...
SECTION 3 Advanced
173
9.
10.
The teacher tried to make understandable the problem in class, but the
students ...
If the weather becomes sunny this afternoon, we'll ...
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Do you enjoy working out? If so, where do you do it? What are some
important reasons for working out?
When you are telling a complicated story to someone, when might you
have to back up?
When you back out of a driveway, what do you have to be careful of?
Is there anything at the moment that you have your heart set on?What is it?
If you can't catch on to a joke, but everyone else does, what do you do?
Do you think that you would be cut out for the job of politician? Why or
why not?
7.
Do you throw out items of clothing when they are worn out, or do you find
ways to reuse them? Give examples of how some items might be reused.
8.
For what reason might a person be thrown out of a party?
What are some possible causes of a person having to throw up?
10. Suppose that you have a serious misunderstanding with a friend. When
would you want to clear up the misunderstanding right away, and when
would you let some time pass by before straightening it out?
9.
174
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to slow down: to go, or cause to go, more slowly (S)
This idiom can be used both with and without an object.
The car was going so fast that the driver couldn't slow it down enough to
make the sharp curve.
You're eating too fast to digest your food well. Slow down!
to dry up: to lose, or cause to lose, all moisture (S);
to be depleted
Every summer the extreme heat in this valley
dries the stream up.
All funds for the project dried up when the
local government faced a budget crisis.
to dry out: to lose, or cause to lose, moisture gradually (S); to
stop drinking alcohol in excess (also: to sober up)
Martha hung the towel outside on the clothesline in order to dry it out.
Some people go to alcohol recovery centers in order to dry out.
to be up to (something): to be doing something; to be planning or plotting
something, scheming
The first definition usually takes the form of a question.
Hi, Jake. I haven't seen you in a long time. What have you been up to?
Those boys hiding behind the building must be up to something bad.
to beat around the bush: to avoid discussing directly, to evade the issue
Our boss beats around the bush so much that no one in the office knows
exactly what he wants us to do.
SECTION 3 Advanced
175
e
Instead of beating around the bush, Melinda explained her objection in very
clear terms.
to come to an end: to end, to stop
This idiom is used with finally and never when some activity lasts too long.
e
e
The meeting finally came to an end at ten o'clock in the evening.
Even though my friend seemed to enjoy the movie, I thought that it would
never come to an end.
to put an end to: to cause to end, to terminate in a definite manner
(also: to do away with)
e
The dictatorial government put an end to organized opposition in the
country by making it illegal to form a political party.
e
It may never be possible to do away with all forms of prejudice and
discrimination in the world.
to get even with: to seek revenge, to retaliate
This idiom is similar in meaning to to have it in for (Lesson 27).
e
Bill has had it in for his boss for a long time. He told me he's planning to
get even with his boss by giving some company secrets to a competitor.
e
I want to get even with Steve for beating me so badly in tennis last time.
The scores were 6-1 and 6-2.
to fool around: to waste time (also: to screw around; to goof off, to goof around);
joke, not to be serious
176
e
The teacher got angry because her students were fooling around and
couldn't finish their class work. She told them that they'd have to stay after
school if they continued to goof off.
e
Sometimes I wish that Pat would stop fooling around so much and talk
about something more interesting to others.
Essential Idioms in English
to look out on: to face, to overlook
The noun form
lookout derives from this idiom.
Their rear window looks out on a lovely garden.
The soldiers watched for enemy troops from their lookout on the hill.
to stir up: to cause anger or strong emotion (S); to create (trouble or difficulty) (S)
The senseless murder of a small child stirred up the whole neighborhood.
The boss is in a bad mood today so don't stir her up with any more
customer complaints.
to take in: to visit in order to enjoy (S); to decrease the size of clothes (S);
to deceive, to fool (S)
0
We decided to take in Toronto on our trip to Canada, and that is where we
took in the most memorable outdoor stage play we have ever seen.
O
Lois lost so much weight that she had her skirts and slacks taken in by her
tailor.
The fraudulent investment advisor took everyone in with his sincere manner
and generous promises. Most investors lost all their money.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
Many of the lakes in this part of the country have lost all moisture because ...
2.
When I asked Ted what he
was doing, he responded that ...
SECTION 3
Advanced
177
3.
Karen hopes this meeting stops soon because ...
4. If the government wants to terminate drug abuse in this country, it will
have to ...
5. Ruth sought revenge on the girl who stole her boyfriend away from her
by ...
6.
Because our son Allen is always joking, nobody ...
7.
The house for sale was a valuable piece of property because it faced
8.
Old-time residents in the neighborhood became
neighbor ...
9.
Marge has lost so much weight in the last month that she has had to
angered when their new
decrease the size of . ..
10.
178
We visited the San Diego Zoo in order to
Essential Idioms in English
...
visit and enjoy . ..
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
When driving during rainy weather, why should you
2.
Imagine that a country is facing a budget crisis. Which type of government
funds are most likely to dry up first-those for social programs or those
for military programs? Why? What is your opinion about the criteria used
in such cases?
3.
How might a person with a drinking problem be able to
kinds of problems might keep them from sobering up?
4.
If someone asked you what you
respond?
5.
How can you tell when young children are up to something? Can you
remember any personal experience of being up to something when you
were a child?
6.
When might someone choose to
to avoid this?
7.
What problems in the world would you like to
that there is hope for this?
8.
Has someone ever stirred you up so much that you wanted to get even
with him or her? What did you do?
9.
slow down?
dry out? What
were up to these days, how would you
beat around the bush?What could you do
put an end to? Do you think
What attractions in the area that you are living in now have you already
taken in?
10.
Have you ever been taken in by someone such as a salesperson or a
stranger on the street? What happened?
SECTION 3 Advanced
179
Lesson
to go through: to undergo, to experience; to consume, to use (also: to use up)
The first definition is used when someone is having some hardship or difficulty.
I can't believe what she went through to get that job. She had four
interviews in one week!
Frank said that they had gone through all the toilet paper in the house, but
Steve couldn't believe that they had used it all up.
to go without saying: to be known without the need to mention
This idiom occurs with a that-clause, often with the pronoun it as the subject.
It goes without saying that you shouldn't drive fast in bad weather.
That he will gain weight if he continues to eat and drink so much goes
without saying.
to put (someone) on: to mislead by joking or tricking (S)
This idiom is usually used in a continuous tense form. A noun object must divide
the idiom.
Don't worry. I wouldn't expect you do all that work by yourself. I'm just
putting you on.
Jack can't be serious about what he said. He must be putting us on.
to keep one's head: to remain calm during an emergency
When the heater caused a fire, Gloria kept her head and phoned for
assistance right away; otherwise, the whole house might have burned down.
When the boat starting sinking in heavy seas, the crew members kept their
heads and led the passengers to the lifeboats.
180
Essential Idioms in English
to lose one's head: not to think clearly, to lose one's self-control
•
When a dog ran in front of Mel's car, he lost his head and drove onto the
sidewalk and into a tree.
•
If the politician hadn't gotten stirred up and lost his head, he never would
have criticized his opponent unfairly.
narrow-minded: not willing to accept the ideas of others (the opposite of narrowminded is broad-minded or open-minded)
•
Narrow-minded people tend to discriminate against groups of people with
which they have nothing in common.
•
Ted is so broad-minded that he has almost no standards by which he judges
others.
to stand up: to withstand use or wear; to fail to appear for a date or social
engagement (S)
Q
My old car has stood up well over the years. I haven't had any major
problems at all.
•
Janet was very angry because her new boyfriend stood her up on their
second date. She waited over an hour for him before returning home.
to get the better of: to win or defeat by gaining an advantage over someone
Q Jim doesn't seem very athletic at tennis, but if you're not careful, he'll get
the better of you.
Q Lynn gets frustrated when Bruce gets the better of her in arguments. No
matter what she says, he always has a clever response.
to break loose: to become free or loose, to escape
Q During the bad storm, the boat broke loose from the landing and drifted out
to sea.
Q One bicyclist broke loose from the pack of racers and pulled ahead towards
the finish line.
SECTION 3 Advanced
181
on edge: nervous, anxious; upset, irritable
Cynthia was on edge all day about the important presentation she had to
give to the local citizens group.
I don't like being around Jake when he's on edge like that. Someone should
tell him to calm down and relax.
to waste one's breath: to speak uselessy
This idiom is used when someone is wasting time trying to convince another person.
The idiom to save one's breath is related and means not to waste effort trying to
convince someone.
Don't argue with Frank any longer. You are wasting your breath trying to
get him to agree with you.
I have already decided what I'm going to do. You can't change my mind, so
save your breath.
to cut short: to make shorter, to interrupt (S)
The moderator asked the speaker to cut short his talk because there wasn't
much time remaining for questions from the audience.
We were very unfortunate when we received bad news from home that
forced us to cut our trip short.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word gr words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
Mr. Larsen is in the hospital undergoing emergency surgery because he ..•
2.
When you feel sick, it doesn't need to
182 Essential Idioms in English
be mentioned that •..
3.
Steve was misleading me when he told me that ...
4.
After the serious earthquake, most people remained calm, but
unfortunately some people ...
5.
If a person is not willing to accept the ideas of others, you will probably
speak uselessly if you try to ...
6.
Betty failed to appear for her date because she ...
7.
Your car will withstand use longer if you ...
8.
Our team was able to win by gaining an advantage over the other team
because ...
9.
The politician was nervous before she ...
10.
The meeting was suddenly interrupted because ...
SECTION 3 Advanced
183
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Do you go through money quickly? What is your biggest expense?
2.
Have you ever gone through a medical operation? What was it?
3.
Do you enjoy putting others on, or are you a rather serious person?
4.
During an emergency, how can you keep your head?
5.
In what kind of emergency might you be likely to lose your head?
6.
Do you generally consider yourself to be a broad-minded person? In what
ways might you be considered a narrow-minded person?
7.
Which countries are known for manufacturing products that stand up well?
8.
Have you ever stood anyone up?What were the circumstances of the
situation that caused you to do so?
9.
In what sport would an athlete try to break loose from an opponent?
10.
184
Does talking in front of a large audience put you on edge?Why or why not?
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
to step in: to become involved or concerned with
something; to enter a place for a brief time
(also: to step into)
9
When the children started fighting on the
playground, a teacher had to step in and stop
the fight.
The supervisor asked one of the employees to
step into her office for a moment.
to step down: to retire or leave a top position, to resign
9
Next May the principal will step down after thirty-five years of service to
the school.
9
The angry shareholders wanted the company president to step down
because of the stock scandal.
to step on it: to go faster, to work more quickly
9
We're going to be late for the movies. You'd better step on it!
9
If I want to finish this assignment by the end of the day, I really need to
step on it.
a steal: very inexpensive, a bargain
This idiom is often used in an exclamation using what.
9
I can't believe that I paid only $4,000 for this three-year-old car. What
a steal!
9
Scott considered it a steal when he bought a complete bedroom set for
only $300.
SECTION 3 Advanced
185
to play up to: to behave so as to gain favor with someone (also: to kiss up to)
The other students in the class resent Jim because he plays up to the teacher
in order to get better grades.
When my children asked me to go shopping for a new video game, I knew
why they had been kissing up to me all morning.
more or less: approximately, almost; somewhat, to a certain degree
Although your bedroom feels smaller, it's more or less the same size as mine.
e
Ted more or less agreed with our decision to put off the meeting until more
members could show up. At least he didn't object strongly.
to screw up: to confuse, to scramble (S); to cause problems in or with (S)
Chris had trouble finding Jane's apartment because the addresses of the
buildings screwed him up.
e
Instead of fixing the television set, the technician screwed it up even more.
to goof up: to perform badly, to make a mistake (also: to mess up, to slip up)
I really goofed up on the exam today; did you mess up, too?
Karen slipped up when she forgot to deposit money into her checking
account.
to go off the deep end: to get very angry and do something hastily
Just because you had a serious argument with your supervisor, you didn't
have to go off the deep end and resign, did you?
When Dan's wife demanded a divorce, he went off the deep end again. This
time he was shouting so that the whole neighborhood could hear.
to lose one's touch: to fail at what one used to do well
Milton used to be the best salesman at the car dealership, but recently he
seems to have lost his touch.
186
Essential Idioms in English
•
I used to play chess very well, but today you beat me easily. I must be losing
my touch.
under control: well managed
•
The police officer radioed to the station that she had the emergency
situation under control and didn't need any assistance.
•
Thank you for offering to help with dinner, but I think I have it under
control.
to drag one's heels/feet: to act slowly or reluctantly
•
My landlord is dragging his heels about fixing the furnace. If he doesn't fix
it soon, I'm going to refuse to pay rent.
•
Milla seemed willing to organize the volunteer activity, but now she is
dragging her feet.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression far the ward or wards in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your awn idea. Also try ta use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
During the lengthy workers' strike, the police had to became involved
when ...
2.
After leaving his office down the hall, my supervisor briefly entered my
office to ...
3.
The old man who founded the company decided to retire when ...
SECTION 3 Advanced
187
4.
Mike thought that the camera advertised in the newspaper was a bargain,
so he .•.
5. The children behaved so as to gain favor with their parents in order to ••.
6. The young child caused problems with his bicycle by ••.
7.
Lenny performed badly on the physics test because he •.•
8.
I hope that my husband doesn't get angry and do something hastily when
he ...
9.
The orchestra's lead violinist seems to be failing at what she usually does
well. At the performance last night •.•
10.
188
The mayor acted reluctantly when asked to explain •.•
Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
If someone was being attacked by a thief, would you step in and help the
person? Why or why not?
2.
For what reasons might a top executive of a company step down
unexpectedly?
3.
Why might you have to step on it in the morning? Does this happen often
to you?
4.
What was the last item you bought that you considered a steal? Where did
you buy it?
5.
Have you ever worked on something and screwed it up? How did you
finally fix it?
6.
7.
Have you ever goofed up on an important test? Why did it happen?
8.
For what reasons might an athlete lose his or her touch at a sport? Has
this ever happened to you?
9.
Have you ever had to get a difficult situation under control? What was the
situation?
10.
Have you ever gone off the deep end? What happened?
Have you ever dragged your heels when you were supposed to be
responsible for something? Explain what you did, and why.
SECTION 3 Advanced
189
Lesson
to kick (something) around: to discuss informally (over a period of time) (S)
(also: to toss around)
At first my friends were reluctant to consider my suggestion, but they finally
were willing to kick it around for a while.
Brian thought that we should kick around the idea of establishing a special
fund for supporting needy members of the club.
on the ball: attentive, competent, alert
Jim was the only one who caught that serious error in the accounting
statements. He's really on the ball.
Ella was certainly on the ball when she remembered to reconfirm our flight
arrangements. All the rest of us would have forgotten.
to make up: to meet or fulfill a missed obligation at a later time (S); to create, to
invent (an idea) (S); to apply cosmetics to (S); to comprise, to be composed of
Note that all of the definitions are separable except the last one.
The teacher allowed several students who missed the exam to make it up
during the next class.
The little boy made up a bad excuse for wearing his dirty shoes in the
house, so his mother punished him.
Iris was able to make her face up in half the normal time because she didn't
use much makeup.
Two separate bodies-the House of Representatives and the Senate-make
up the Congress of the United States.
to make up with: to resolve differences with
This idiom is used for differences of opinion between friends and lovers.
Gundula made up with her roommate after their serious misunderstanding
about arrangements for the party.
190
Essential Idioms in English
9
After the bad quarrel the two lovers kissed and made up with each other.
to pull together: to gather, to collect (information) (S}; to gain control of
one's emotions (S)
A reflexive pronoun must be used for the second definition.
9
The reporter pulled together information from several sources in preparing
the newspaper article.
9
Mr. Simpson was so frightened when he heard footsteps behind him on the
lonely, dark street that it took several minutes to pull himself together.
to be looking up: to appear promising or optimistic, to be improving
This idiom is used in a continuous tense, very often with the subject things.
9
The board chairman is glad to report that things are looking up for the
company after several years of declining sales.
9
Prospects for building that new library in the downtown
area are looking up.
to kick the habit: to stop a bad habit
9
Once a child becomes accustomed to chewing his
nails, it's difficult to kick the habit.
9
The doctor advised the heavy cigarette smoker
that his heart had become damaged and that he
should kick the habit right away.
to cover up: to conceal, to hide (S)
This idiom is used for events that are potentially embarrassing to one's reputation,
as well as against the law. The noun coverup derives from this idiom.
9
The office worker tried to cover up his crimes, but everyone found out that
he had been stealing office supplies.
9
The political coverup of the bribery scandal failed and was reported by all
the major media.
SECTION 3
Advanced 191
to drop off: to fall asleep; to take to a certain location (S); to decrease (for the third
definition, also: to fall off)
My mother dropped off during the boring television show; her head was
nodding up and down.
I don't mind dropping you off at the store on my way to work.
Business has been dropping off rapidly recently, but fortunately it hasn't
been falling off as quickly as for our competitors.
to turn over: to place upside down (S); to flip, to tum upside down; to pass or give
control to someone (S)
The teacher asked the students to turn the answer sheet over and to write a
short essay on the back.
Don't forget to turn over the eggs, or they will burn.
Mr. Collins has decided to turn over his jewelry store to his son at the end
of the year.
to go through channels: to send a request through the normal way
This idiom can be used with the adjective proper.
If you go through the proper channels in this company, it's sometimes
impossible to get anything done quickly.
The police told the mayor that even she had to go through channels in
reporting the burglary of her house.
the last straw: the final event in a series of unacceptable actions
When John asked to borrow money from me for the fourth time, it was the
last straw. I finally told him that I couldn't lend him any more.
I can't believe that my roommate left the door to our apartment unlocked
again. It's the last straw; I'm moving out.
192
Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
When the committee members ... , they decided to
informally for a while.
2.
In playing sports, you have to be
3.
The child tried to
4.
Lynn doesn't ever have to
5.
The two lovers
6.
Even though I've ... , things
7.
Sales
8.
You should
discuss the matter
alert if ...
invent an excuse when ...
apply cosmetics to her face; she ...
resolved differences with each other after ...
appear promising now.
had decreased so much that the store was forced to ...
flip the chicken in the oven because ...
SECTION 3
Advanced
193
9.
Old Mr. Jenkins gave
control of his company to his associate when ...
10. The office worker didn't think that •.• if he sent a request through
normal way because ...
the
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
idea around instead of making an
1.
What is the benefit of kicking an
immediate decision?
2.
What kind of excuses do people make
event? Have you ever done this?
3.
Do you know how many states made up the original United States in 1776?
How many states make up the United States now?
4.
Have you ever made
with the person?
5.
Where could you go to pull together information
Would you enjoy doing so, or not?
6.
Have you ever succeeded in kicking the habit of cigarettes, smoking,
drinking alcohol, or some other bad habit? How were you able to do it?
Have you ever had to cover up an embarrassing situation? Can you now
7.
up for being late to an important
up with someone? How did you feel about making up
for a research report?
explain what it was?
Why do students sometimes
happened to you?
9.
When someone manages to kick a bad habit there is an interesting
expression, to turn over a new leaf, that applies. Can you imagine what
this expression means?
10.
194
drop off while they're in class? Has this ever
8.
Have you ever faced a situation which you would describe as
straw?What happened?
Essential Idioms in English
the last
Lesson
to get cold feet: to become unable or afraid to do something
This idiom is usually used in the case of an important or dangerous action.
Karl was supposed to marry Elaine this weekend, but at the last moment he
got cold feet.
Only one of the rock climbers got cold feet when the group reached the base
of the hundred-meter cliff.
to trade in: to receive credit for the value of an old item towards the purchase of
a new item (S)
This idiom is used to form the noun trade-in.
The car dealership offered me $1,000 for my old car if I traded it in for a
new model.
The appliance company was offering a $50 trade-in during the special
promotion for its new line of refrigerators.
face-to-face: direct, personal; directly, personally (written without hyphens)
This idiom can be used both as an adjective (the first definition) and as an adverb
(the second definition).
The workers' representatives had a face-to-face meeting with management
to resolve the salary issue.
The stepmother and her teenage soon talked face to face about his troubles
in school.
to be with (someone): to support, to back (also: to go along with); to understand or
follow what someone is saying
Although others thought that we shouldn't go along with Jerry, I told Jerry
that I was with him on his proposal for reorganizing the staff.
After turning left at the traffic light, go two blocks and turn right on
Madison. After three more blocks, turn right again. Are you still with me?
SECTION 3 Advanced
195
to be with it: to be able to focus or concentrate on (also: to get with it)
To be with it in the negative has the same meaning as to feel out of it. The related
form to get with it is used in commands.
Jack's really with it today. I've never seen him play such good soccer.
You've done only a small amount of work in two hours. You're not with it
today, are you?
It's no excuse to say that you feel out of it. We need everyone's help on this,
so get with it!
to fall for: to fall in love quickly; to be fooled or tricked by
Samantha and Derek never expected to fall for each other like they did, but
they got married within two weeks of having met.
The Masons wanted to believe their son, but unfortunately they had fallen
for his lies too many times to be deceived once again.
it figures: it seems likely, reasonable, or typical
This idiom is either followed by a that-clause or by no other part of grammar.
It figures that the children were willing to help with the yardwork only if
they received a reward for doing so.
When I told Evan that his secretary was unhappy about not getting a raise,
he said that it figured.
to make (someone) tick: to motivate to behave or act in a certain way (S)
This idiom is used within a what-clause.
If a salesperson knows what makes a customer tick, he will be able to sell a
lot of merchandise.
It's been impossible for us to figure out what makes our new boss tick. One
moment she seems pleasant and then the next moment she's upset.
to cover for: to take someone's place temporarily, to substitute for; to protect
someone by lying or deceiving
Go ahead and take your coffee break. I'll cover for you until you return.
196
Essential Idioms in English
The criminal made his wife cover for him when the police asked if the man
had been home all day. She swore that he had been there.
to give (someone) a break: to provide a person with another opportunity or chance
(S); not to expect too much work from (S); not to expect someone to believe (S)
This idiom is always divided by a noun or pronoun, and it is often used in a
command form. For the third definition, the pronoun me must be used. This
definition used to express disbelief or disagreement and is considered impolite in
formal settings.
The driver pleaded with the police officer to give him a break and not issue
him a ticket for speeding.
When the students heard how much homework the teacher wanted them to
do over the holiday, they begged, "Give us a break, Professor Doyle!"
Oh, Jim, give me a break! That's a terrible excuse for being late.
to bow out: to stop doing as a regular activity, to remove oneself from a situation
The related idiom to want out indicates that someone desires to bow out.
She bowed out as the school's registrar after sixteen years of service.
One of the two partners wanted out of the deal because they couldn't agree
on the terms of the contract.
to stick it out: to remain in an unpleasant situation or keep doing an unpleasant
activity, usually for a certain amount of time
Maya wants to quit college, but she promised her parents that she would
stick it out until the end of the year.
You might hate jogging at first, but if you stick it out for a while you'll
probably start to enjoy it.
SECTION 3 Advanced
197
~XERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
At the amusement center, Sean was about to ... when he
became afraid to
do it.
198
directly about ...
2.
Leanne talked to her supervisor
3.
The politician asked his friends if they supported him on ...
4.
Ted
5.
When Mrs. Garcia told her husband that their son ... , Mr. Garcia
responded, "That seems likely."
6.
I don't understand what
7.
The boss
fell in love with the actress as soon as ...
motivates Diana to behave that way; she ...
gave his employee another opportunity when ...
Essential Idioms in English
8.
When the teacher told the students that ... , the students said, "Don't
expect too much work from us!"
9.
10.
One of the members of the committee removed herself from the situation
because .•.
Even though Noel was unhappy with ... , she decided to stick it out
because ...
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
Have you ever been about to do something important or dangerous, and
then gotten cold feet? What was it?
2.
Besides a car, what items can be traded in for new purchases? Have you
ever traded something in?What was it?
3.
Why might a student need to have a face-to-face talk with a teacher?
For what reasons might you not be with it? Are you with it today? Why or
why not?
4.
5.
6.
Have you ever fallen for someone who was deceiving you? How did you
feel? How did you resolve the situation?
It's sometimes difficult to figure out what makes certain kinds of people
tick. What kinds of people are like this?
7.
In general, who would you feel compelled to cover for? Have you ever had
to do this?
8.
If you were a judge, under what condition might you give someone who
had committed a serious crime a break?
9.
What unbelievable statement might someone make that would cause you
to respond, "Give me a break!"?
10.
Why might you choose to bow out of a situation?
SECTION 3
Advanced
199
Lesson
to rub it in: to tease or remind someone of something negative or embarrassing to
him or her
"Hey, Katya, remember when you fell down on the dance floor at Sylvia
and Sam's wedding?"
"Of course I remember. You don't have to rub it in."
I finally beat Joshua at chess last Friday, so I've been rubbing it in since
then.
to rub the wrong way: to cause to feel negative about oneself; to make
a bad impression (S)
A noun or pronoun must separate this idiom.
That salesman rubbed me the wrong way. He tried to convince me to buy a
car that I didn't even like.
The job applicant was qualified for the position, but her strange personality
rubbed the interviewer the wrong way.
to get a rise out of: to provoke a response from
This idiom is usually used when someone is teased into responding in anger or
annoyance.
You can kid me all day about my mistake, but you won't get a rise out
of me.
I got a rise out of Malcolm when I teased him about his weight. Malcolm
weighs over two-hundred and fifty pounds.
to hang around: to stay or remain where one is, to wait (also: to stick around)
This idiom is used when someone is waiting for something to happen or for
someone to arrive.
Todd had to hang around the house all day until the new furniture was
finally delivered in the late afternoon.
200
Essential Idioms in English
Q Why don't you stick around for a while and see if Sarah eventually shows up?
to pick up the tab: to pay the cost or bill
Th is idiom applies when someone pays for the cost of
another person's meal, tickets, etc.
Q
The advertising manager is flying to Puerto Rico
for a conference, and her firm is picking up the
tab.
Q
The government picked up the tab for the visiting
dignitary. It paid for all of the lodging and meals,
as well as transportation, during
his stay.
by the way: incidentally
This idiom is used when someone thinks of something further in the course of a
conversation.
Q
Movies are my favorite form of entertainment. Oh, by the way, have you
seen the new picture that's playing at the Bijou?
Q
Vera's been divorced for three years now. She told me, by the way, that she
never plans to remarry.
to let slide: to neglect a duty (S); to ignore a situation (S)
Q
Terry knew that she should have paid the electric bill on time instead of
letting it slide. Now the utility company has turned off her service.
Q
When he tried to get a rise out of me by mentioning my failure to receive a
promotion at work, I just let it slide.
search me: I don't know (also: beats me)
This idiom is used informally, usually as a command form.
Q
When Mr. Nguyer asked his wife if she knew why the mail hadn't arrived
she responded, "Search me."
Q
When I asked Derek why his girlfriend wasn't at the party yet, he said,
"Beats me. I expected her an hour ago."
SECTION 3
Advanced
201
to get off one's chest: to express one's true feelings (S)
This idiom is used when someone has long waited to express themselves.
e
Ellen felt a lot better when she finally talked to a counselor and got the
problem off her chest.
e
Faye hasn't shared her concern about her marriage with her husband yet. I
think that she should get it off her chest soon.
to live it up: to spend money freely, to live luxuriously
e
Kyle and Eric saved up money for two years so that they could travel to
Europe and live it up.
After receiving a large inheritance from a rich aunt, I was able to live it up
for years.
to liven up: to energize, to make more active (also: to pick up) (S)
e
The teacher occasionally took the class on field trips just to liven things up
a bit.
e
The animals in the zoo began to liven up when evening came and the
temperatures dropped.
e
Many people have to drink coffee every morning just to pick themselves up.
to have a say in: to share involvement in (also: to have a voice in)
e
The new vice-president was promised that she would have a say in
developing the company's international expansion.
e
The students are trying to have a voice in college affairs by gaining
representation on administrative committees.
202 Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
My friend once embarrassed herself by ... , so whenever I see her I have
to tease her about it.
provoke a response from me when he ..•
2.
My older brother is always able to
3.
Why don't you
4.
The director paid the
5.
At the restaurant, Benjamin ... , which really caused his date
stay here for a while longer? We're still ...
bill for the meal when he invited ...
to feel
negatively about him.
6.
I understand that Bill ... because he
and again.
7.
In order to
neglected his responsibilities again
express their true feelings about a problem, some people ...
SECTION 3 Advanced
203
8.
On their honeymoon, the young couple
9.
In order to
10.
lived luxuriously by ...
energize the party, the host and hostess ...
The preferred candidate for the new position would not ... until
management agreed that she would share involvement in budget matters.
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
When you were a child, did you ever do something foolish and have
someone rub it in later? What was it?
2. What kind of person is it easy to get a rise out of? What kind is it difficult
to get a rise out of? Which are you?
1.
3.
If someone is late in meeting you, about how long would you
before leaving? Has this happened to you recently?
4.
When was the last time that you picked up
anyone picked up the tab for you recently?
stick around
the tab for someone? Has
5. Are you the kind of person who is likely to make an issue out of a serious
problem, or rather to let it slide?Why?
6. Can you think of a reason why the expression search me is used to mean I
don't know? (In other words, why is the verb search used in this way?)
7.
Why do people sometimes hold problems inside instead of getting them
off their chests right away? Which approach are you most likely to take?
to live it up? Describe what you did.
9. What are some different ways of livening up an event such as a wedding?
10. In a democracy, how do citizens of a country have a voice in government
8.
Have you ever had a chance
affairs?
204
Essential Idioms in English
Lesson
out of the question: impossible, not feasible
Stephen told Deborah that it was out of the question for her to borrow his
new car.
Don't expect me to do that again. It's absolutely out of the question.
to have to do with: to have some connection with or relationship to
This idiom is often used in the negative, as in the first example.
Ralph insisted that he had nothing to do with breaking the window.
What does your suggestion have to do with our problem?
to check in: to register at a hotel or motel; to leave or deposit for transporting or
safekeeping (S)
Courtney arrived in town at mid-day and promptly checked in at the
Plaza Hotel.
There were dozens of people at the airline counters waiting to check their
bags in for their flights.
to check out: to pay the bill at a hotel or motel and then leave; to investigate,
to examine (S)
The latest you should check out of the hotel is noon.
The police received a call from someone claiming to have witnessed a
murder. The police sent two detectives to check the call out right away.
to take one at one's word: to accept what one says as true, to believe
(also: to take one's word for it)
You should be careful about taking her at her word. She's been known to
say one thing but to do another.
"\Vhen he offered to be responsible for the fund raiser, I took his word for it.
Now he's saying that he's not available to do it.
SECTION 3 Advanced
205
to serve (the/one's) purpose: to be useful, to suit one's needs or requirements
e
I don't have a screwdriver to open this, but I think that a knife will serve
the purpose.
e
Jane prefers working to studying, so it served her purpose to drop out of
school and take that job.
to cop out: to avoid one's responsibility, to quit
This idiom is an informal version of the second definition to back out (Lesson 29).
The noun form copout means an excuse for avoiding responsibility.
e
Evelyn had agreed to help us with arrangements for the party, but she
copped out at the last minute.
e
I can't believe that Cindy offered such an explanation for failing to show
up. What a poor copout!
to line up: to form a line; to arrange to have, to manage to obtain (S)
e
The moviegoers lined up in front of the theater to see the most popular film
of the summer.
e
Rob is going to schedule the famous author to speak at the convention if he
can line her up in time.
to lose one's cool: to get excited, angry, or flustered
e
Despite the boos from some in the audience, the actors on stage never lost
their cool.
e
Although the group of skiers were in danger from an apparent avalanche,
their ski guide never lost his cool.
to leave open: to delay making a decision on (S)
206
e
In making up the job announcement, the firm decided to leave the salary
open until a qualified candidate was found.
e
We know that the annual summer camp will be held in August, but let's
leave the exact dates open for now.
Essential Idioms in English
to miss the boat: to lose an opportunity, to fail in some undertaking
The precious metals market was looking up several months ago, but
unfortunately most investors missed the boat.
Q Mr. Vlasic's new business went bankrupt within a short time. He really
missed the boat by opening a tanning salon near the beach.
to think up: to invent, to create (also: to dream up)
This idiom is often used for an unusual or foolish thought.
Who thought up the idea of painting the living room walls bright red?
When asked by the teacher why she was late, the student dreamed up a
plausible excuse.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
registered at the hotel as soon as ...
1.
The Smiths
2.
The Smiths also
3.
The jealous husband hired a private detective to
that ...
4.
When my financial advisor told ... I believed her.
deposited some jewelry at the front desk because ..•
investigate the possibility
SECTION 3 Advanced
207
5.
On the Thursday before a three-day holiday weekend, it suited the
worker's needs to ...
6.
While shopping in the expensive store, Mrs. Thurston ... very much.
7.
To ensure ... , the politician managed to obtain the support of his
colleagues in the Senate.
8.
The athlete got angry and flustered on national television when ...
9.
We delayed making a decision on the arrangements for the wedding
because .•.
10.
208
Even though I had urged my parents to ... , my parents lost an
opportunity when the stock market ...
Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
What kind of items beside jewelry might a guest want to
front desk of a hotel?
2.
What is the latest that you have ever been able to check out of a hotel?
Were you required to pay on extra fee for this arrangement?
3.
If you and a friend are walking on a beach, what do you think your friend
could mean if he or she says, "Check that out!"
4.
Have you ever taken someone at his or her word, only to be disappointed
at a later time? What happened?
5.
Has anyone ever asked you for something that was
What did the person want?
6.
Have you ever copped out of a responsibility by thinking
excuse? How do you feel when you do this? Why?
7.
Think of different kinds of events or situations where people have to line up.
What kind of situation might cause you to lose your cool? Does this
happen easily to you, or not?
8.
9.
10.
Why might you leave arrangements for a trip
happened to you?
What kind of activities do you want to
check in at the
out of the question?
up a reasonable
open? Has this ever
have nothing to do with?
SECTION 3
Advanced
209
Lesson
to throw (someone) a curve: to introduce an unexpected topic, causing
embarrassment (S)
The first week of class was going very well until a student threw the teacher
a curve by suggesting that the textbook was too difficult.
The director asked us in advance to stick to the meeting agenda and not to
throw him any curves.
to make waves: to create a disturbance, usually by complaining
This idiom is similar in meaning to the previous idiom, but the emphasis is on the
aspect of complaining rather than causing embarrassment.
In most companies, an employee who makes waves is not appreciated.
The restaurant made many improvement after customers made waves about
its poor food and customer service.
to carry on: to continue as before; to conduct, to engage in; to behave in an
immature manner
Even in the face of disaster, the inhabitants carried on as though nothing
had happened.
The business associates decided to carry on their discussion in the hotel bar
instead of the conference room.
I can't believe that John carried on so much just because his pet bird died.
He looked depressed for weeks after it happened.
not on your life: absolutely not (also: no way)
This idiom is used as a kind of exclamation by itself.
You're asking me to invest in that poorly rated company just because you
know the son of the president? Not on your life!
When a friend tried to get Mark to jump out of a plane with a parachute,
he immediately responded, "No way!"
210
Essential Idioms in English
to cover ground: to be extensive, to discuss much material
Forms such as
a lot of, too much, too little are used before the noun ground.
The government's report on public schools covers a lot of ground. Many of
the recommendations are too costly to implement.
In his first lecture on Greek philosophers, I thought that our professor
covered too little ground.
to throw the book at: to punish with full penalty, to be harsh on
Because the criminal was a repeat offender, the judge threw the book at him
with heavy fines and a long prison term.
My boss threw the book at me when he discovered that I had been using
company time for personal business. I was severely reprimanded and forced
to make up the lost time.
to put one's foot in: to say or do the wrong thing
This idiom is used with the noun phrase one's mouth, when referring something
said, or the pronoun it, when referring to something done.
O Fred really put his foot in his mouth when he called his supervisor by the
wrong name.
I really put my foot in it when I forgot my girlfriend's birthday and didn't
buy her anything.
to be up for grabs: to become available to others
This idiom is used when something is highly desirable to many other people.
When one of the full-time contract instructors stepped down, her nice office
overlooking the river was up for grabs.
O Did you know that Senator Stone is retiring and that her Senate seat is up
for grabs?
'
to show off: to display one's ability in order to attract attention (S); to let others see,
to expose to public view (S)
This idiom can form the noun showoff for the first definition.
O Elizabeth is an excellent swimmer, but I don't like the way she shows off in
front of everyone. It's very obvious that she enjoys being a showoff.
SECTION 3 Advanced
211
Jacquie showed her large engagement ring off to all her friends.
to Learn the ropes: to become familiar with routine procedures
The related idiom to show the ropes (S) means to teach someone the routine
procedures.
The job applicant didn't have much previous experience or knowledge, but
she seemed intelligent enough to learn the ropes quickly.
It took the new schoolteacher a year to learn the ropes regarding
administative and curricular matters.
The new worker's colleagues helped to show her the ropes.
to have under one's belt: to have in one's experience, ownership, or
accomplishments
When Mr. Mott retired, he had 40 years of teaching under his belt.
Fiona has several writing awards under her belt, even though she is still very
young.
to keep one's fingers crossed: to hope to have good
results, to hope that nothing bad will happen
This idiom reflects the way people cross their fingers to
hope for good luck.
Let's keep our fingers crossed that we got passing
grades on that college entrance exam.
Jerry kept her fingers crossed that the good weather
would hold up for the picnic she was planning for
the coming weekend.
212
Essential Idioms in English
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
After discovering some improper contracts arranged by his company, a
worker created a disturbance by ...
2.
The professor decided to
conduct her class in the park because ...
3.
The teenager behaved in
parents ...
an immature manner for quite a while when his
4.
Martha answered,
5.
Because the instructor would
student ...
6.
Maureen has a lot of work time
7.
The judge
"Absolutely not!", when her friend ...
discuss too many matters in the course, the
in her experience. She ...
was harsh on the defendant who ...
SECTION 3 Advanced
213
8.
The long-time manager's office suddenly became
many associates ...
9.
The excellent athlete displayed his
regional track meet by ...
10.
It was difficult for ...
the university.
available to others, and
ability and attracted attention at the
to become familiar with the routine procedures at
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
2.
thrown you a curve recently? What happened?
When might a government worker decide to make waves? Have you heard
Has anyone
or read of any instances of this recently?
3.
Where is a common place to carry on a discussion? What less common
places might a discussion be carried on?
4.
Do you remember ever carrying
parents do to stop you?
on when you were a child? What did your
5.
Do you like to take classes that
cover a lot of ground or cover little
ground?Why?
6.
Would it ever be appropriate to throw the book at someone for
their foot in their mouth?Why or why not?
7.
Do you know anyone who likes to
8.
Are you ever a showoff? When?
9.
Have you ever had to
What was the task?
10.
214
show off? What do they do?
show someone the ropes of a task they didn't know?
Give an example of when you might
Essential Idioms in English
putting
keep your fingers crossed.
Lesson
to land on one's feet: to recover safely from an unpleasant or dangerous situation
(also: to get back on one's feet)
9
After a series of personal and professional difficulties, it's amazing that
George has landed on his feet so quickly.
9
Some young adults get into so much trouble at school that they are never
able to get back on their feet again. They drop out before graduating.
to dish out: to distribute in large quantity (S); to speak of others in a
critical manner (S)
9
Mary's mom dished out two or three scoops of ice cream for each child at
the birthday party.
9
Larry can't seem to take any criticism of his actions but he certainly likes to
dish it out.
to get through to: to communicate with, to make someone understand (also: to
break through to)
9
Some of the students in my reading class understand English so poorly that
it is difficult to get through to them.
9
The doctors have never succeeded in breaking through to Mr. Ames, who is
a silent and secretive patient.
to keep one's word: to fulfill a promise, to be responsible
An idiom with the opposite meaning is to break one's word.
9
Suzanne kept her word to me not to let on to others that I intend to step
down next month.
9
Thomas always intends to keep his word, but invariably the end result is
that he breaks his word. He just isn't capable of being a responsible person.
SECTION 3 Advanced
215
to be in over one's head: to be very busy, to have too much to do (also: to be up to
one's ears); to be beyond one's ability to understand
For the second definition, the preposition in is not used.
Huda is in over her head this semester. She is taking four classes, and she is
up to her ears in assignments.
It was impossible for the tutor to get through to Bill about the physics
problem because the subject matter was over Bi/ts head.
to ask for: to deserve, to receive a just punishment (also: to bring upon oneself)
If you drink alcohol and then drive a car, you're only asking for trouble.
Don't complain about your cut in salary. You asked for it by refusing to
heed our repeated warnings not to be late and inefficient.
to be a far cry from: to be very different from
I enjoyed visiting Seattle, but it was a far cry from the ideal vacation spot
I expected.
Ned is enjoying his new job, but his responsibilities are a far cry from what
he was told they would be.
by all means: certainly, definitely, naturally (also: of course)
If the Johnsons invite us for dinner, then by all means we have to return the
invitation. Of course, we don't have to invite their children, too.
to get out from under: to restore one's financial security, to resolve a difficult
financial obligation
After years of struggling to get ahead, the young couple finally got out from
under their debts.
The ailing company, succeeding in obtaining the necessary cash, was able to
get out from under its financial burdens.
216
Essential Idioms in English
to take the bull by the horns: to handle a difficult situation with determination
This idiom is usually used when someone has been postponing an action for some
time and finally wants or needs to resolve it.
9
After three years of faithful service, Jake decided to take the bull by the
horns and ask his boss for a raise.
9
Vic has been going out with Laura for a long time now, and I know that he
loves her. He should take the bull by the horns and ask her to marry him.
to give (someone) a hand: to assist, to aid, to help (also: to lend someone
a hand) (S)
9
Would you give me a hand lifting this heavy box?
9
When Terry's car broke down at night on the highway, no one would stop
to lend her a hand.
to give (someone) a big hand: to clap one's hands in applause, to applaud (S)
9
After the talented new vocalist had sung her number, the audience gave her
a big hand.
9
Should we give a big hand to each performer as she is introduced, or should
we wait until all the introductions are finished?
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
1.
It took some time for the artist to
2.
Billy's mother distributed in
birthday party.
recover from the difficult situation ...
large quantity . .. to all the kids at the
SECTION 3 Advanced
217
3. When parents are having trouble communicating with their children, they
can •••
4. When I decided to change apartments, my friend fulfilled her promise
about ..•
5. Larry has too much to do at work because ..•
6. The child running on the wet pavement beside the swimming pool
deserved it when ...
7. The new immigrant thought that ..• in the United States was very different
from ...
8. After days of postponing necessary yardwork, Mr. Johnson handled the
difficult situation and ...
9. When Kim's fell down on the icy sidewalk, a passing woman assisted her
by ...
10.
218
The President was applauded when he announced .•.
Essential Idioms in English
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
The idiom to land on one's feet is related to a special ability of cats. Do
you know what this is?
2.
Do you know anyone who doesn't like to receive criticism but is willing to
dish it out? How do you feel about such a person?
3.
Why is it often difficult to get through to young children? Is this
sometimes true for adults? Why?
4.
Is it always important for you to keep your word? Can you think of a
situation where you would break your word?
5.
Have you ever had a class where the subject matter was over your head?
What did you do?
6.
If you run across a street without looking first, you are asking for trouble.
Try to think of other situations where you're asking for trouble.
7.
What parts of an adult's life are a far cry from the life of a child?
8.
If you see a beggar on the street is there anything that you do by all
means?
9.
Have you ever been forced to take the bull by the horns? What was the
situation?
10.
In what case might you refuse to give someone a hand?
SECTION 3 Advanced
219
Lesson
behind (one's) back: without one's knowledge, secretly
This idiom is used to describe acts of betrayal or dishonesty. It is often used with the
verbs to go and to talk.
e
After Carlo agreed to sell his car to me, he went behind my back and sold it
to someone else instead.
e
Bekah was angry when she discovered that her friends had been saying rude
things about her behind her back.
to talk back to: to answer in a rude manner, to speak to disrespectfully
e
Billy, if you talk back to me like that once more, you're goirig to spend the
rest of the day in your room.
e
The school principal had to reprimand the child for talking back to her
teacher.
to be in: to be popular or fashionable; to be available at one's work or home
e
Most young people tend to want anything that is in at the time, but a few
don't care about current trends.
e
Could you please tell me when Mrs. Zachary will be in? I'd like to talk to
her soon.
to be out: to be unpopular or no longer in fashion; to be away from one's
work or home
e
These days, loose jeans are in and tight jeans are out.
e
I'm sorry, Mr. Jensen is out at the moment. Could I take a message?
to draw the line at: to determine to be unacceptable, to refuse to consider
e
I don't mind helping him with his homework, but I draw the line at writing
a term paper for him.
220 Essential Idioms in English
Q
The conference organizers tried to accommodate the needs of the various
groups, but they drew the line at extending the conference by two days.
to get out of line: to disobey or ignore normal procedures or rules
(also: to step out of line)
Q
When a child gets out of line in that teacher's class, she uses the oldfashioned method of making the child sit in the corner of the room.
Q
Any employee who steps out of line by coming to work in an unacceptable
condition will be fired.
dry run: rehearsal, practice session
e
The college president requested a dry run of the graduation ceremony in
order to ensure that all aspects went smoothly.
e
Before the manager presented the reorganizational plans to the board of
directors, he did several dry runs of his presentation.
to play by ear: to play music that one has heard but never read (S); to proceed
without plan, to do spontaneously (S)
The pronoun it is often used with the second definition.
e
That pianist can play most popular music by ear. She never needs to read
sheet music.
e
My husband wanted to plan our trip carefully, but I argued that it was more
fun if we played it by ear.
to be in (someone's) shoes: to be in another person's position, to face the same
situation as another person
9
If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't take too many classes this semester.
9
When his boss finds out about that accounting error, I wouldn't want to be
in his shoes.
SECTION 3 Advanced
221
to keep after: to remind constantly, to nag
Lynn always has to keep after her children about cleaning up their rooms
and doing chores around the house.
Yen is so forgetful that it's necessary to keep after him about every little
thing.
to fix up: to repair or put back in good condition (S); to
arrange a date or an engagement for another person (S)
Instead of buying an expensive new home, we
decided to buy an older home and fix it up
ourselves.
Since my visiting friend didn't have a date for
dinner, I fixed her up with a male friend of mine.
They got along very well together.
to be had: to be victimized or cheated
When the jeweler confirmed that the diamonds that the woman had
purchased abroad were really fake, she exclaimed, "I've been had!"
The angry customer complained about being overcharged at the store,
asserting that this was the third time that he had been had.
EXERCISES
Substitute an idiomatic expression for the word or words in italics, making any
necessary grammatical changes as well. Then complete each sentence
appropriately with your own idea. Also try to use idioms from previous lessons.
222
disrespectfully to his mother, she ...
1.
When Joey spoke
2.
When he learned that the owner
salesperson ...
Essential Idioms in English
wasn't available, the visiting
3.
Greg is willing to help his brother with some household chores, but he
refuses to consider . ..
disobey the rules one more time, I will ...
4.
If you
5.
The theater group did a rehearsal of the play before ...
6.
Mrs. Dixson has the special ability to
read. She doesn't have to ...
7.
I wouldn't want
he ...
8.
Every day after school, Harriet's parents have
9.
I decided to
10.
play music she has heard but never
to be in Ted's position. The police have discovered that
to nag her to ...
arrange an engagement for him because he ...
When Nori discovered that ... , he realized that he had
been cheated.
SECTION 3 Advanced
223
Answer these questions orally by making use of the idiomatic expressions studied
in this lesson.
1.
2.
Have you ever done something behind someone's back?What did you do?
Did you feel guilty about it?
When you were young, did you talk back to your parents? Why or why not?
3.
Do you pay attention to whether clothing fashions are in or out? What is an
advantage of not paying attention?
4.
Suppose that your boss sometimes asks you to stay late at the office and
do extra work for him. At what point would you draw the line and refuse?
5.
What happens to an athlete who gets out of line during a sporting event
such as baseball or international football ("soccer" in the United States)?
If you had to give a speech in class, would you do a dry run?Why or why
6.
not?
7.
8.
9.
10.
224
When you travel, do you like to plan your trip carefully or to play it by ear?
When you were young, what did your parents have to keep after you
about? Did you ever learn to remember it, or do you still forget?
Have you ever fixed someone up with a date, or have you ever been fixed
up with a date yourself? Can you imagine why the term blind date is
sometimes used in such cases?
Have you ever been had by someone you just met, such as a store clerk or
a stranger on the street? What happened?
Essential Idioms in English
Collocations
Idioms are expressions made up of words that take on new and different
meanings when they are used in combination with one another. Collocations,
on the other hand, are simply words that are traditionally used together by
native English speakers, so that their combination becomes expected. Unlike
idioms, the individual words in collocations retain their own meaning.
Collocations can occur in a number of different patterns, including adjective
+ noun, verb + noun, verb + adverb, noun + verb, and noun + noun.
clear a space: move things to make room for something else
Before you put those books down, let me clear a space for them on the desk.
clear (someone's) name: prove that a person is not guilty of something
Marthe worked hard to clear her son's name after he was accused of cheating.
clear (something) with (someone): get formal permission for an action
The ambassador cleared it with the State Department before announcing
that he was leaving the country.
clear (one's) throat: cough in order to speak more clearly
The speaker took a drink of water and cleared her throat before continuing.
keep quiet: avoid complaining, telling a secret, or causing problems
Q We knew they were doing something wrong, but we kept quiet.
Q The working conditions were awful, but we decided to keep quiet because
we were afraid we'd lose our jobs.
keep (something) in mind: remember a fact or piece of information, especially
because it might be useful in the future
You need to be at the airport two hours early now-keep that in mind when
you leave for London.
SECTION 3
Advanced
225
keep to the subject: talk or write only about the immediate topic
•
I know you want to talk about vacation plans, but please keep to the
subject while we figure out the answer to this other problem.
keep the change: don't give back any money that has been overpaid, perhaps as a
tip, or because the amount is so small
•
I bought a newspaper at the airport with my last Brazilian reals, so I told
the seller to keep. the change.
EXERCISES
Fill in the blanks to complete the collocations.
226 Essential Idioms in English
Review: Lessons 28 to 39
Match the idiom in the left column with the definition in the right column.
1.
let alone
a. I don't know
2.
on the ball
b. certainly, definitely
3. search me
c. nervous, irritable
4. by the way
d. rehearsal, practice session
5. out of the question
e. and certainly not
6. by all means
f. incidentally
7. more or less
g. impossible
8. a steal
h. in general
9. dry run
i. attentive, alert
10.
on the whole
j. directly, personally
11.
on edge
k. approximately, almost
12.
face-to-face
I. very inexpensive
In the space provided, mark whether each sentence is true (T) or false (F).
1. __ If you have landed on your feet after financial difficulties, things
probably are looking up in your life.
2. _ _ If you go through channels in submitting a complaint, you are
probably making waves in your company.
3. _ _ If someone asks why you did something and you can't think up
a good reason, you might respond, "Search me."
4. _ _ If you know someone who likes to put others on, you can
usually take that person at their word.
SECTION 3
Advanced 227
5. _ _ If the subject matter of an academic field often is over your
head, you may not be cut out for that field.
6. __ Parents might go off the deep end if they have to wait up for
their child very late without knowing what he or she is up to.
7. _ _ If you get a problem off your chest, you are beating around the
bush.
8. _ _ If you are able to get through to someone, you have wasted
your breath.
9. _ _ If you are not with someone while they are explaining
something, you are catching on.
10. __ You might back out of an activity that could cause you to get
cold feet at the last minute.
11. __ If you dislike playing something by ear, you will probably leave
it open.
12. _ _ If you are learning the ropes, it is possible that you might goof
up once in a while.
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using give listed below.
Some expressions come from Lessons 1 to 27.
1. Mrs. Johnson was very surprised when she -----~-- twin
boys.
2.
Because it was the first time that I had fooled around in class, I asked
the teacher _ _ _ _ _ _ __
228 Essential Idioms in English
3.
A successful marriage is mostly a matter of
between husband and wife.
4.
This box is too heavy for me to lift alone. Could you
?
5. The lecturer was so interesting that the audience
at the end of the talk.
6. The man stood on the street corner and
advertising flyers to the people passing by.
7.
Could you please take this garbage outside? It
a
very bad smell.
8.
The army forces _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ when they discovered that they
were surrounded by the enemy.
9.
I usually don't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so easily, but this work is too hard
for me to do.
D\
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using keep listed below.
~ Some expressions come from Lessons 1. to 27.
1.
to keep one's head
to keep with
to keep in touch with
to keep one's word
to keep often
to keep in mind
to keep track of
to keep away
to keep one's fingers
crossed
In the emergency situation, Alex was able _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ and
save the child from drowning in the ocean.
SECTION 3 Advanced
229
2.
At the racetrack, none of the horses were able ______ ___ the
horse that was expected to win the race.
3.
When we visited Disneyland, we had to be careful
______ ___ our children in the large crowds of people.
4.
You have ______ ___ Tanya to return the books or she will
forget time and again.
5.
You should ______ ___ when you make a promise or others
will think poorly of you.
6.
Even though you're moving to another city, we should
______ ___ each other as much as possible.
7.
While I was cooking with hot grease on the stove, I warned others
______ ___ in order not to get burned.
8.
When teaching beginning-level English students, it is important
______ ___ that their range of vocabulary is quite limited.
9.
The weather forecast is calling for cloudy skies tomorrow. We should
______ ___ that it doesn't rain during the picnic.
230 Essential Idioms in English
Fill in each blank with the appropriate form of the idioms using go listed below.
Some expressions come from Lessons 1 to 27.
1.
to go through to
to go off the deep end
to go without saying
touch and go
to go wrong
to go around
to go over
to go off
to go with
I was too tired to get up in the morning when my alarm clock
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , so I turned it off and went back to sleep.
2.
My presentation to the class _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so well that the
students gave me a big hand.
3.
The delicate operation was _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ for several hours, but
finally the surgeons were able to finish successfully.
4.
We just went to the store an hour ago to buy more soda, and already
there isn't enough _ _ _ _ _ _ __
5.
I can't understand how we _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ so much soda in such
a short time.
6.
You can't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ if you give Camille chocolates for her
birthday. Chocolate is by far her favorite food.
7.
Paige has a terrible temper. When something upsets her, she
8.
That you should stay home if you are very sick _ _ _ _ _ _ __
9.
Do you think that this grey shirt _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ these beige pants?
SECTION 3 Advanced
231
DI
NARY SKILLS
These pages will help you find word meanings and other useful information in
your dictionary. Note: All dictionary entries are adapted from the Longman
Dictionary of American English, New Edition (Pearson Longman, 2002).
Finding the Word You Want
The entry words (the words being defined) in a dictionary are in alphabetical
order. This means that the word apple comes before the word banana because the
letter a comes before the letter b in the alphabet.
EXERCISE A
1.
Put these words in alphabetical order.
dog tiger cat horse
cat dog horse tiger
2. pea broccoli onion beans
3. pen book computer desk
4. tea coffee soda milk
5. train airplane car bus
Some words start with the same letter or the same two or three letters.
Alphabetize words like this by the first letter that is different.
For example:
game garden gate
EXERCISE B
glad glass globe
Put these words in alphabetical order.
1.
part pack pants park
2.
draw drag dream drive
pack pants park part
3. scroll scream screen scuba
4. cheese child chalk cheap
5.shoutshuts hotshoot
Dictionary Skills
233
Words are often listed in their base form. For example, if you can't find safely in
your dictionary, look up safe.
EXERCISE C
complete the chart.
Guide words are the words at the top of dictionary pages. One is on the left-hand
page and one on the right-hand page. They tell you the first and last word on these
two pages. For example, if you are looking for the word leather, and you see the
guide words lead and leave, you know that leather is on one of those two pages.
Guide Word
Guide Word
as someone or something else:
where": Could you direct me to
He knows a lot more than I do-he's
the station?"
lead2 n 1 [singular] the position way out of my league.
or situation of being in front of or leak 1 /lik/ v 1 [I, T] to let a
better than everyone else in a race liquid or gas in or out of a hole or
or competition: Lewis is still in the crack: Somebody's car must be
leaking oil. I The roof's leaking! 2 [I]
lead. I Joyner has taken the lead.
EXERCISE
234
445
444
lead
D
a
leap-frog /'lipfrag/ n [U]
children's game in which someone
else
someone
and
bends over
jumps over him/her -leapfrog v
[I, T]
leap year I'. .I n a year when
February has 29 days instead of 28,
leave
mentioning an advantage to show
that a situation is not as bad as it
seems: Well, at least you got your
money back. c) said when you want
to correct or change something you
have just said: His name is Jerry. At
least, I think it is. d) even if nothing
Read the guide words. Then circle all the words that would appear
on those two pages.
Essential Idioms in English
Understanding the Main Parts of a Dictionary Entry
Dictionary entries provide much more than just definitions. They provide a wealth
of different kinds of information. Look at the entry below.
Pronunciation
Derivations
Part of Speech
adj= adjective
n =noun
v =verb
adv= adverb
Example Phrase
Definitions
Other words that
can be made from
entry word
EXERCISE ~ Use this dictionary entry to answer the questions.
de•pressed /drprest/ adj 1 very sad: I got really
depressed just thinking about her. 2 not having enough
jobs or business activity to make an area, industry etc.
successful: a depressed economy
1. What is the entry word?
depressed
2. What is the part of speech?
3. How many definitions are there?
4. How many examples are there?
5. Are there any derivations?
Words often have more than one meaning. Read all of the definitions to find the
meaning you need.
Dictionary Skills
235
EXERCISE
Which of the above meanings of depressed, 1 or 2, goes with each
sentence? Circle 1or2.
1. Business was depressed because of the war.
1@
2. I got depressed after failing my math test.
1
2
3. People can lose jobs in a depressed economy.
1
2
Read these dictionary entries and pay attention to the derivations. Notice that a
part of speech is always given for a derivation.
in•ter•rupt / ,mfo'rApt/ v 1 [I, T] to stop
someone from speaking by suddenly saying or
doing something: I'm sorry, I didn't mean to
interrupt you. I We'd only said a few words when
Brian interrupted. 2 [T] to stop a process or
activity for a short time: The war interrupted the
supply of oil. -interruption / ,mtac'rApJ;;m/ n
[C, U]
itch1 /rtJ I v 1 [I, T] to have an unpleasant
ITCH: My back is itching. 2 be itching to do sth
INFORMAL to want to do something very much:
inetim•i•date /mtrm;:i,dert/ v 1 [T] to make
someone afraid, often by using threats, so that
s/he does what you want -intimidation
/m,trm;:i'derJ;:in/ n [U]
in•vis•i•ble /mvrwb;:il/ adj not able to be seen:
Ian's been itching to try out his new bike.
-
EXERCISE
1.
organisms that are invisible without using a
miscroscope -invisibly adj -invisibility
/m,vrz;:i'brl;:i1i/ n [U]
Complete each sentence with the entry word or a derivative form of
the word in parentheses. Use the information in the dictionary
entries to help you decide.
(interrupt) The ----'-'-in=t=er'"'""r=iup"""'t'""'io'-'-'n'---_ didn't last long.
2. (itch) Her nose felt _ _ _ _ _ _ _ . She sneezed twice.
3. (itch) I have an _ _ _ _ _ _ _ to go camping.
4. (intimidate) The government's _ _ _ _ _ _ _ was wrong.
236 Essential Idioms in English
5. (intimidate) You can't _ _ _ _ _ _ _ him.
6. (invisible) He tried to leave _ _ _ _ _ __
7. (invisible) The _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of the glass was amazing.
Finding Collocations
Example phrases and sentences sometimes present collocations-word s that are
often used together. Read this dictionary entry. Pay attention to the example
sentence.
fib1 /fib/ n INFORMAL a small, unimportant lie: You
shouldn't tell fibs. It's not nice.
EXERCISE ~ Circle the collacations in the example phrases and sentences in
these entries.
feud /fyud/ n an angry quarrel between two
people or groups that continues for a long time:
a bitter feud between the two neighbors -feud
n [I]
flee /fli/ v fled /fled/, fled, fleeing [I, T]
leave somewhere very quickly in order to
escape from danger: The president was forced to
flee the country after the revolution. I thousands of
people fleeing from the fighting
EXERCISE ~ Use the dictionary entries for fib, feud, and flee to help you complete
these sentences with collocations.
1.
I wanted to ---'-'fl=ee"'--'-'-fr-=-o"""'m'---_ the noisy room.
2.
Linda says that her boyfriend is rich, but I don't believe her. She often
3. Many people will _ _ _ _ _ _ _ if a war starts.
4. There is a _______ _ those two soccer teams.
Dictionary Skills
237
Finding Idioms
Idioms are common expressions with their own special meaning. For example, the
idiom have a green thumb means "be good at making plants grow."
Many dictionaries present idioms in bold type. Sometimes they have their own
definition number. Look at this example:
bread /bred/ n [U] 1 a common food made
from flour, water, and yeast: We need a loaf of bread.
(=large piece of bread that can be cut into pieces) I
bread and butter 2 SLANG money 3 sb's bread and
butter INFORMAL where the owner of a business gets
most of his/her income from: Tourists are our bread and
butter. 4 daily bread the money that you need in
order to live 5 know which side your bread is
buttered on INFORMAL to know who to be nice to in
order to get advantages for yourself
-
Answer the questions.
EXERCISE
1.
-
How many definitions are there for this entry word?
2. Write the numbers of the definitions that are idioms.
EXERCISE
1.
B
Read each idiom. Then write the word you would look up to find the
idiom in a dictionary.
head over heels in love
2. make yourself at home
3. make your mouth water
4. a pat on the back
238 Essential Idioms in English
head
Using Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs consist of a verb and an adverb such as out, up, down, and up. They
have special meanings. Phrasal verbs are very common in English. To find a phrasal
verb in the dictionary, look up the verb. For example, for the phrasal verb dream up,
look under dream. In this entry, the phrasal verb is circled.
dream2 v dreamed or dreamt /dremt/, dreamed or
dreamt, dreaming 1 [I, T] to think about something
that you would like to happen: She dreamed about/of
becoming a pilot. 2 [I, T] to have a dream while you
are asleep: I often dream that I'm falling. 3 dream on
SPOKEN said when you think that what someone is
hoping for will not happen: You really believe we'll win?
Dream on!
dream sth ...... up phr v [T] to think of a plan or idea,
especially an unusual one: Who (dreams uPJ these TV
commercials?
A dictionary such as the Longman Dictionary of American English tells you how to
use a phrasal verb. Like other verbs, phrasal verbs can be intransitive or
transitive. An intransitive phrasal verb cannot be followed by an object. Look at
these examples:
set out: to leave on a trip
O They set out at 6:00 in the morning.
set aside: to save something for a special purpose
0
We set aside some money for emergencies.
O We set some money aside for emergencies.
In these examples, set out does not have an object. It is an intransitive phrasal
verb. Set aside has an object, some money. It is a transitive phrasal verb.
Notice that you can say set aside some money or set some money aside. When
using most transitive phrasal verbs, you can put the object after the verb (set) or
after the adverb (aside). But when the object is a pronoun, it must go after the
verb: We set it aside.
Dictionary Skills 239
In the dictionary, the objects of transitive phrasal verbs are shown as sth
(something) or sb (somebody).
EXERCISE A..
Study the dictionary entries for these phrasal verbs. Then choose the
correct answer to the questions.
set out phr v 1 set out to do sth to
deliberately start doing something: He set out to
make a movie about his experiences in Vietnam.
2 [I] to leave a place, especially to begin a trip:
The couple set out for Fresno at about 9:30. 3 [T
set out sth] to write or talk about ideas, rules
etc. in a clear and organized way: He is the first
set sth ,_, aside phr v [T] 1 to save something
for a special purpose: Hotels must set aside 50%
of their rooms for non-smokers. 2 to decide not to
be affected or influenced by a particular belief,
idea etc.: They should set politics aside and do
what is best for the country.
candidate to set out his foreign policy proposals.
1.
What tells you that you are looking at a phrasal verb?
a. the abbreviation sth
b. the abbreviation phr v
2. What tells you that a phrasal verb is intransitive?
a. [T]
b.phrv
c. [I]
3. What tells you that a phrasal verb is transitive?
a. [T]
b.
<-->
c. [I]
4. What tells you that a noun object can go in two positions?
a. phrv
c. [T]
5. If you see this entry for a phrasal verb, which statement is true?
come across sth phr v [T] 1 to discover something, usually by chance:
I came across the article in a magazine.
a. The object can go in two places.
b. The object can go only after the adverb.
240
Essential Idioms in English
APP
IX
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
get on
subirse, montarse
monter
entrar, dteg_5lr uma
con w;:ao
get off
bajarse, apearse
descendre, sortir
descer de uma
put on
ponerse
Lesson
1
condu~ao
mettre
por roupa, vestir,
cal~ar
take off
quitarse
enlever
tirar, despir
turn on
encender, abrir
allumer, ouvrir
ligar, acender
turn off
apagar, cerrar
eteindre, fermer
desligar, apagar,
fechar
right away
inmediatamente
immediatement
imediatamente
pick up
tomar, coger
ramasser, prendre
a panhar, pegar,
sooner or later
tarde o temprano
tot ou tard
mais cedo ou mais
tarde
get up
levantarse
se lever
levantar-se
come up with
proponer, sugenr
concocter, penser (a)
a princfpio
at first
al principio
en premier, d'abord
achar, descobrir
dress up
emperifollarse,
vestirse de gald
s'habiller,
se mettre en
grande toilette
vestir-se a rigor,
com elegiincia
at last
por fin
enfin
finalmente, por fim
as usual
como de costumbre
comme d'habitude
como de costume
find out
avenguar
trouver, decouvrir
descobrir
look at
mirar, contemplar
regarder, envisager
olhar para
look for
buscar, indagar
chercher, rechercher
procurar
all right
satisfactorio,
afirmativo
c'est bien
esta certo, tudo bem
all along
desde el principio
depuis le debut
o tempo todo, do
come~o ao fim
aprender
Lesson 2
Appendix
241
PORTUGUESE
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
little by little
poco a poco,
lentamente
au fur et
tire out
exhaustar, agotar
fatiguer
spend time
pasar, dedicar tiempo
passer le temps
never mind
no se preocupe,
no importa
peu importe, ne
s'inquieter pas
nao se preocupe,
nao importa
pick out
seleccionar, escoger
choisir
selecionar, escolher
take one's time
tomarse su tiempo,
proceder con calma
prendre son temps
ir com calma,
nao se apressar
talk over
discutir
discuter
discutir (assunto)
lie down
acostarse
s'etendre
deitar-se
stand up
ponerse de pie
se mettre debout
levantar-se, ficar de pe
sit down
sentarse
s'asseoir
sentar-se
all day long
todo el dia
toute la journee
o dia inteiro
by oneself
por si mismo, solo
tout seul
sozinho, sem ajuda
on purpose
a prop6sito, adrede
exp res
de prop6sito,
intencionalment e
get along (with)
llevarse bien
o mal (con),
s'entendre, bien
dar-se bem
make a difference
ser importante,
importarle
erre important
importar, ter
importiincia
take out
sacar, extraer
sortir
extrair, remover, sair
na companhia
tomar parte, participar
participer
at all
de ninguna manera,
en absoluto
du tout
a bsolutamente,
de modo algum
look up
indagar, buscar
chercher
procurar, pesquisar,
consultar
wait on
despachar, servir
servir
servir, atender
at least
por lo menos
au moins
pelo menos, ao menos
so far
hasta ahora
jusqu'ici
ate agora
take a walk
dar un paseo a pie,
pasearse
faire une promenade
dar um passeio a ~e,
dar uma camin ada
a mesure
pouco a pouco,
gradualmente
cansar, extenuar
a
gastar tempo
Lesson 3
Lesson~
take part in
242 Essential Idioms in English
a
tomar parte, participar
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
take a trip
hacer un viaje
faire un voyage
via jar
try on
probar(se)
essayer
provar, experimentar
(roupa)
think over
reflexionar
reflechir
pensar, refletir
take place
suceder, ocurrir
avoir lieu, passer
acontecer, ocorrer,
realizar-se
put away
guardar, recoger
ranger
guardar
look out
tener cuidado
faire attention
ter cuidado
PORTUGUESE
Lesson 5
shake hands
dar la mano
serrer la main
dar um aperto de mao
get back
regresar
revenir, retourner
voltar, regressar
catch a cold
resfriarse, acatarrarse
prendre froid,
attraper un
rhume
pegar um resfriado,
resfriar-se
get over
reponerse,
res ta blecerse
se consoler, se
remettre
recuperar-se, curar-se
make ud one's
min
decidirse
se decider
decidir-se
change one's
mind
cambiar de opinion
o idea
changer d'idee,
changer d'avis
mudar de ideia
for the time being
por ahora,
mientras tanto
pour le moment
por enquanto,
temporariament e
for good
para siempre,
permanentemen te
pour de bon
para sempre
call off
cancelar
annuler
cancelar, suspender
put off
posponer
a1ourner
adiar
in a hurry
ripidamente
fare presse,
rapidement
as pressas, com pressa
hang out
vagar (por)
trainer
estar ocioso
hang up
colgar
suspendre,
raccrocher
(telephone)
pendurar, desligar o
telefone
count on
contar con
compter sur
contar com, confiar em
make friends
hacer amigos
faire des amis
fazer amigos
out of order
descompuesto,
estropeado
en panne
engui\:ado, quebrado
Lesson 6
Appendix
243
PORTUGUESE
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
get to
llegar a
arriver
look over
revisar, examinar
examiner, verifier
examinar, inspecionar
have time off
tener tiempo libre
avoir du temps libre
ter tempo livre
go on
continuar
continuer
put out
sofocar, apagar,
extinguir
eteindre
all of a sudden
subitamente,
repentinamente,
de pronto
tout
ahead of time
antes de tiempo,
timprano
en avance
antes da hora, cedo
point out
seiialar, mostrar
signaler,
montrer du doigt
mostrar, chamar
atern;ao para
be up
terminar, llegar la hora
etre termine
terminar, expirar
(tempo)
be over
haber terminado
etre fini
estar terminado,
terminar
on time
a la hora indicada
na hora, pontualment e
in time to
a tiempo, antes de la
hora indicada
a l'heure, a temps
a temps
get better
mejorar
aller mieux,
s'ameliorer
melhorar
get sick
enfermarse
tomber malade
ficar doente, adoecer
had better
es mejor que
il vaut mieux que
e melhor que
would rather
preferir
preferer
preferir
call it a day
parar de trabajar
finir la journee
dar por encerrado
figure out
resolver, entender
resoudre,
comprendre
resolver, solucionar,
entender
think of
opinar de
penser
a
opinar, ter opiniao
sobre
be about to
estar a punto de
etre sur le point de
estar prestes a
turn around
dar la vuelta,
cambiar totalmente
se retourner faire
demi tous
virar ao contrario,
dar a volta
take turns
alternar
alterner
alternar-se
Lesson
a
conseguir, chegar
a
a coup
continuar
apagar (fogo)
de repente, subitamente
z
a tempo
Lesson 8
244
Essential Idioms in English
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
pay attention
prestar atenci6n
faire attention
prestar
brush up on
refrescar, pulir
repasser
recordar (assunto),
relembrar
over and over
repetidamente
sans cesse
repetidamente
wear out
gastarse
user
gastar-se, esgotar-se
throw away
botar, echar
jeter
jogar fora
fall in love
enamorarse
tomber amoureux
apaixonar-se
go out
cesar, a pagarse, salir
sortir, cesser,
s'eteindre
parar de funcionar,
apagar-se, sair
go out with
salir con (alguien)
sortir avec
(quelqu'un)
namorar
break up (with)
romper con
rompre avec
casamento, romper
rela~oes com,
terminar
(um namoro)
wake up
despertarse
s'eveiller,
se reveiller
acordar
be in charge of
estar a cargo de
erre charge de
ser ou estar
encarregado de
as soon as
tan pronto como
aussitot que
assim que, logo que
have a good time
divertirse
bien s'amuser
divertir-se
in no time
rapidamente
tout de suite
num instante,
rapidamente
cut down on
reducir
reduire
reduzir, diminuir
crack down on
actuar con dureza
sevir avec
ser exigente com, dar
duro em
quite a few
muchos
pas ma! de
muitos, varios
used to
acostumbraba, solia
avoir l'habitude de
costumava acontecer,
era
be used to
estar acostumbrado a
etre accoutume a,
avoir l'habitude
de
estar acostumado a
(fazer) algo
get used to
acostumbrarse a
s'accoutumer
f,renare
habitude
back and forth
de un !ado a otro
d'avant en arriere
aten~iio
Lesson 2
a
acostumar-se a (fazer)
a Igo
de um !ado para outro,
tara tras e para
rente
Appendix
245
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
make sure
asegurar, garantizar
s'assurer de
verificar, certificar-se de
now and then
de vez en cuando
de temps en temps
de vez em quando
get rid of
deshacerse de
se defaire de,
se debarasser de
desfazer-se de,
livrar-se de
every other
cada dos
tous les deux
um sim um nao,
alternado
go with/
go together
armonizar con,
acompaiiar
aller avec
ir bem com, combinar
com
first-rate
primera clase,
excelente
de premiere classe
de primeira ordem,
excelente
come from
proceder de,
ser oriundo de
venir de (quelque
part)
vir de, proceder de,
descender de
make good time
viajar nipidamente
voyager vite,
bien marcher
(train)
viajar detressa, dirigir
em ve ocidade
mix up
equivocar, mezclar,
cortfundir
melanger,
s'embrouiller,
confondre
misturar bem,
confundir, atrapalhar
see about
ocuparse de
s'occuper de
averiguar, examinar,
pensar em
by heart
de memoria
par coeur
de cor, de mem6ria
make an
impression
causar impression
impressionner
dar a impressao de,
influenciar a opiniiio
de uma outra pessoa
keep out
no entrar
defense d'entrer
nao entrar
keep away
mantener distancia
de, evitar
eviter
afastar, manter afastado
find fault with
criticar
trouver
be up to
depender de alguien,
tener entre manos
dependre de
caber a, estar em
condi<;:6es de, ser
capaz de
ill at ease
inc6modo
mal a l'aise
peu confortable
constrangido, pouco
vontade
do over
volver a hacer
refaire
refazer, repetir
look into
investigar
examiner
attentivement
investigar, examinar
ENGLISH
Lesson
Lesson
10
11
246 Essential Idioms in English
a redire
criticar, desaprovar
a
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
take hold of
agarrarse de
sa1s1r
agarrar-se, segurar,
pegar
get through
terminar, acabar
terminer
terminar, acabar
from now on
de ahora en adelante
a partir de ce
moment
de agora em diante
keep track of
llevar cuenta de
enregistrer, tenir
un registre
acompanhar o
desenvolvimento ou
o curso de
get carried away
dejarse llevar,
excederse
se laisser emporter
entusiasmar-se,
empolgar-se
up to date
moderno, al dia,
al corriente
au courant,
a la page
moderno, atual
out of date
anticuado, antiquo,
arcaico
demode, perime,
depasse
antiquado, obsoleto,
fora de moda
blow up
inflar, explotar, volar
gonfler, faire sauter,
exp loser
encher de ar, explodir
catch fire
incendiarse
prendre feu
pegar fogo, incendiar-se
burn down
quemarse (un edificio)
detruire par le feu
queimar lentamente,
destruir pelo fogo
burn up
quemar (se)
completamente,
enojarse
bruler entierement,
se facher
destruir pelo fogo,
indignar, aborrecer
burn out
fundirse
bruler
deixar de funcionar por
muito uso, cansar-se
stands to reason
ser natural, 16gico
il va sans dire
ser 16gico, ser evidente
break out
estallar, comenzar
subitamente
eclater
surgir, manifestar-se
as for
en cuanto a
quant
for one thing
por ejemplo
par exemple
por exemplo
feel sorry for
tener lastima de
avoir de la peine
pour
ter pena de
break down
romperse
tomber en panne
quebrar, avariar-se
turn out
resultar, acudir
finalement devenir,
se presenter
reportar-se,
apresentar-se,
tornar-se
Lesson
Lesson
12
a, en tant que
quanto a, no que diz
respeito a
13
Appendix 247
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
once in a blue
moon
rara vez
une fois par hasard
raramente, uma vez ou
outra
give up
dejar de, rendirse
se rendre, abdiquer,
abandonner
desistir, a,arar,
aban onar
cross out
tachar
barrer
riscar, cancelar, eliminar
take for granted
presumir, tomar
por descontado
presumer, tenir
pour certain
tomar como certo, nao
dar valor a algo
take into account
tomar en cuenta,
tener en
consideraci6n
tenir compte de
levar em conta ou em
considerai,:ao
make clear
aclarar
clarifier
explicar, esclarecer
clear cut
bien claro
net
bem definido, distinto,
claro
have on
tener puesto, llevar
porter
vestir, tra jar
come to
volver en sf ascender,
llegar a
revenir
call for
requerir, recomendar
necessiter,
recommander
requerer, exigir
eat in I eat out
comer en casa/
comer fuera
manger a la maison/
manger au
restaurant
comer em casa/comer
fora
cut and dried
predecible
simple, clair et net
previsfvel, sem grai,:a
look after
cuidar de
s'occuper de
cuidar de, supervisionar
feel like
tener ganas de
avoir envie de
estar disposto a,
estar a fim de
once and for all
de una vez y
para siempre
une fois pour routes
de uma vez por todas
hear from
recibir noticias de
recevoir des
nouvelles
ter notfcias de alguem
hear of
ofr hablar de,
saber de,
considerar
entendre parler de,
considerer
ouvir falar, considerar
make fun of
burlarse de
se moquer de,
se rire de
ridicularizar, fazer
gozai,:ao de
come true
resultar cierto
passer a la
realite
tornar-se realidade,
realizar-se
as a matter of fact
en realidad, es mas
le fair est que
na verdade, alias
a soi
voltar a si, recolher os
sen ti dos
Lesson 14
248 Essential Idioms in English
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
have one's way
salirse con la suya
en faire a sa tete,
suivre sa volonte
conseguir fazer o que
quer, impor a sua
vontade
look forward to
aguardar con ansia
avoir hate de
impatience
aguardar ansiosamente,
estar ansioso para
fazer algo
inside out
al reves
a l'envers
do avesso
upside down
boca abajo
sens dessus
de cabe<;a para baixo
fill in
rellenar espacio(s),
informer
remplir, informer
preencher espa<;os
fill out
completar una planilla
remplir
completar um
formulario, um
cupom
take advantage of
aprovecharse de
profiter de
tirar proveito de,
aproveitar-se de
no matter
no importa
peu importe
niio importa (como),
de qualquer modo
come<;ar a estudar
take up
estudiar, ocupar
etudier, occuper
ocupar (posi<;iio),
tomar (tempo,
espa<;o)
take up with
consultar con
discuter avec
consultar alguem
take after
salir a
tenir de
parecer-se com
in the long run
a la larga
a la longue
com o decorrer do
tempo
in touch
en comunicaci6n
rester en contact
manter contato com
out of touch
sin comunicaci6n,
desligado
avoir perdu le
contact avec
niio estar a par de
on one's toes
alerta
alerte
estar alerta
watch one's step
andar/ir con cuidado
se surveiller, faire
attention
andar com cuidado,
tomar cuidado
watch what one
says/does
tener cuidado con lo
que uno hace/dice
faire attention a ce
qu'on fait/dit
ter cuidado com o que
fala ou faz
see eye to eye
estar de acuerdo
etre d'accord sur
tous les points
concordar plenamente,
estar de acordo
have in mind
tener en mente,
proponerse
avoir quelque chose
a l'esprit
ter inten<;iio de,
pretender
Lesson 15
Lesson 16
Appendix
249
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
keep in mind
recordar
se rappeler que
lembrar, nao esquecer
for once
al fin, solo una vez
pour une fois
por esta vez
go off
disparar,
explotar, partir
exploser Ocartir,
s'en a er, sonner
explodir, ir-se embora
grqw out of
quitarsele, dar origen
passer
superar, amadurecer
make the best of
sacar el mejor
partido posible
tirer le meilleur
parti de
tirar o melhor
proveito de
cut off
cortar
couper,
interrompre
cortar, parar
subitamente
cut out
recortar, cesar
decouper, cesser de
recortar, parar de
fazer algo
blow out
reventarse, apagar
(soplando)
avoir une crevaison,
eteindre, souffler
explodir, estourar,
apagar-se
become of
hacerse de, sucederle
devenir
acontecer
shut up
(en )cerrar/acorralar
callarse
enfermer, mettre les
verrous, se taire
fechar, calar-se
have got
tener, poseer
avmr
ter, possuir
have got to
(do something)
tener que (hacer algo)
devoir
ter de
keep up with
mantenerse a la par de
aller aussi vite que
nao ficar atras,
acompanhar (passo,
progresso, etc.)
on the other hand
sin embargo
d'autre part
por outro lado
turn down
bajar, reducir, rechazar
baisser, refuser
abaixar, diminuir (som,
luz, gas), recusar,
rejeitar
fifty-fifty
a la mitad
moitie-moitie
me!o a !Ileio, em partes
igua1s
break in
estrenar, ajustar,
interrumpir
assouplir,
interrompre
amaciar, interromper
lost cause
causa perdida, inutil
une cause sans
espoir
uma causa perdida
above all
sobre todo
par-dessus tout
acima de tudo, antes de
mais nada
do without
prescindir de
se passer de
passar sem, ficar sem
according to
de acuerdo con, segun
selon
de acorddo com,
segundo
Lesson 17
Lesson 18
250 Essential Idioms in English
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
be bound to
ser inevitable
etre certain de
ser muito provavel
for sure
con seguridad
vraiment
ao certo, com toda
certeza
take for
tomar a uno por
prendre quelqu'un
pour
tomar hor,
con undir com
try out
pro bar
essayer
testar algo,
submeter-se a teste
tear down
derribar, demoler
demolir
demolir, derrubar
tear up
rasgar, lacerar
dechirer
rasgar
go over (well)
ser apreciado
passer bien
ter muito exito,
ter sucesso
run out of
acabarse, agortarse
manquer de
ficar sem ou em falta de
at heart
fundamentalmente
au fond
no fundo, na realidade
on hand
a la mano, disponible
a main, disponible
a miio, disponivel
aceptar una
viser trop haut
querer abarcar o
mundo com as
pernas
Lesson 12
bite off
respo~sabilidad
excesiva
tell apart
distinguir entre
distinguer entre
diferenciar, distinguir
all in all
teniendo todo en
consideraci6n
tous comptes faits
no todo, em conjunto
pass out
distribuir, repartir,
desmayarse
repartir, perdre
conscience
distribuir, desmaiar
go around
alcanzar para todos,
circular
suffire a tout le
monde, circuler
dar ou ser suficiente
para todos,
circular, andar
be in the/one's
way
estorbar
etre de trop
no caminho, atrapalhar
put on
ganar peso,
representar
augmenter de poids,
representer
ganhar peso, encenar
put up
construir, edificar
levantar
construire,
eriger, lever
construir, levantar,
afixar
put up with
tolerar, soportar
tolfrer, supporter
agiientar, tolerar
m vain
en vano
en vam
em vao
day in and day out
a diario, dia tras dia
hon an, mal an
dia ap6s dia,
diariamente
catch up
alcanzar
se rattraper
alcan~ar,
por em dia
Appendix
251
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
hold still
estarse quieto
rester tranquille
ficar quieto, parado
break the news
dar la noticia
annoncer la nouvelle
dar a notfcia
(geralmente uma
notfcia ruim)
be the matter
pasar algo
avoir quelque
chose de mal
haver de errado
bring up
criar, presentar
elever
criar, ed?car,
menc10nar
get lost
perderse
se perdre
perder-se, sumir
hold up
durar, demorar
<lurer, retarder
atrasar, reter
run away
huir, escaparse
se sauver,
s'echapper
escapar, fugir
rule out
descartar
eliminer, renoncer
by far
claramente
de loin,
de beaucoup
decididamente, sem
comparai;ao
see off
despedirse de alguien
voir partir quelqu'un
despedir-se
see out
acompaiiar a la salida
raccompagner
po rte
no wonder
no extraiiar
n'avoir rien
d'etonnant
go up
ir hasta, llegar hasta
conduire a, aller
courir a
go up to
dirigirse a, acercarse a
s'approcher de
aproximar-se,
dirigir-se a
hand in
presentar, entregar
remettre, donner
entregar
m case
por si acaso
au cas ou
caso, se, no caso de
take apart
desarmar
demonter
desmontar, desarmar
put together
armar
assembler
montar, armar
be better off
irle mejor
valoir mieux
estar em melhores
circunstancias ou em
melhor situa<;iio
be well-off
ser acomodado,
tener dinero
etre clans
l'aisance
ter dinheiro, ser rico
take by surprise
sorprender a alguien
prendre au depourvu
pegar de surpresa,
pegar desprevenido
ENGLISH
Lesson
Lesson
20
a
a la
excluir, descartar,
nao considerar
acompanhar alguem
ate a safda
nao admira, niio ha que
se estranhar
21
252 Essential Idioms in English
a,
subir, aumentar, erguer
(predios)
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
stress out
estresar, preocupar
stresser, inquieter
estressar, preocupar
name after
darle el nombre de
etre nomme d'apres
dar o nome de alguem
hold on
agarrarse de, aguantar
s'accrocher
attendre
stop by
visitar
s'arreter en passant
dar uma passada
drotr (someone)
a 1ne
escribirle unas
lineas a alguien
ecrire un mot
escrever umas linhas
give (someone)
a call
Hamar por telefono
donner un coup de
fil, telephoner
ligar, telefonar
come across
encontrarse con,
dar la impresi6n
trouver par hasard
encontrar, achar por
acaso
cross one's mind
ocurrfrsele a uno
(se) venir
a l'esprit
passar pela cabe\:a de
alguem
stand for
representar,
aguantar a, tolerar
representer, tolerer
representar, significar,
tolerar
stand a chance
tener probabilidad
avoir la chance de
ter uma probabilidade
look on
observar
regarder
observar, ser espectador
look up to
admirar
avoir un grand
respect pour
admirar, respeitar
look down on
despreciar
regarder de haut
en bas
desprezar, tratar com
superioridade
take off
despegar
decoller
decolar, partir
pull off
lograr, detener
el coche en la
carretera
reussir,
arreter l'auto
realizar, encostar o
carro na margem da
estrada
make do
improvisar
faire, se debrouiller
(avec)
arranjar-se, virar-se
(com algo)
give birth to
dar a luz
donner naissance a,
mettre au monde
dar
close call
librarse por
los pelos
l'echapper belle,
passer a deux
doi~ts de
que que chose
ato de livrar-se por um
triz
get on one's
nerves
ponerl~
porter sur les
nerfs
irritar, dar nos nervos
a,
agarrar, esperar
Lesson 22
Lesson 23
a uno
nerv1oso
a luz
Appendix
253
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
put down
dominar, reprimir,
criticar injustamente
reprimer, critiquer
injustement
reprimir, debeelar,
humilhar
go for
venderse por (precio),
aspirar a
se vendre a, essayer
d'obtenir
valer, procurar
conseguir, concordar
be into
ser aficionado a
s'adonner a
s'interesser a
ter interesse em, adorar
fazer algo
stay up
acostarse tarde
veiller
ficar acordado
stay in
quedarse en casa
rester
take over
encartarse de tomar
or acer otra vez
se charger de faire,
prendre de
nouveau
assumir a dire<;iio, o
controle, fazer de
novo
show up
presentarse,
aparecerse,
ser hallado
se presenter, etre
trouve
aparecer, comparecer,
ser localizado
clean out
limpiar
nettoyer
(a fond)
esvaziar, limpar, tirar
todo o dinheiro de
knock out
hacer perder el
sentido de un golpe
faire perdre
connaissance par
un coup
por alguem nocaute
knock oneself out
matarse del esfuerzo
se defoncer, se crever
pour
matar-se de trabalhar,
dar duro
carry out
llevar a cabo
executer
realizar, cumprir, por
em pnitica
run into
encontrarse con
rencontrer par
hasard
encontrar-se com,
colidir
set out
solir a, exponer
se mettre en chemin
partir, sair, expor
set out to
emprender
se mettre
draw up
trazar, preparar
tracer, preparer
lavrar um contrato
give and take
hacer concesiones
s' accommoder,
negocier
fazer concessoes,
toma -la -da-ca
drop out of
dejar de asistir
quitter
abandonar, desistir
believe in
creer en
croire
cheer up
alegrarse, animarse
prendre courage,
se rejouir
ammar-se
make sense
ser razonable, tener
senti do
etre logique
fazer sentido, ser
razoavel
a la maison
ficar em casa
Lesson 24
254
Essential Idioms in English
a
a
propor-se a fazer algo
acreditar em algo
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
burst out crying/
laughing
romper a llorar,
echar a reir
fondre en larmes,
eclater de rire
sair rapidamente,
desatar a chorar ou
a nr
get away
escapar, huir
s'echapper, s'enfuir
ir-se embora, escapar
get away with
salirse con la suya
s'en tirer
co~sequir
serve (someone)
right
merecer
meriter
ser hem feito, ser
merecido
keep up
impedir el sueiio,
mantener el mismo
paso
empecher de dormir,
continuer au
meme pas
nao deixar dormir,
manter, conservar
keep up with
estar al dia, entender
etre 3;U courant,
smvre
acompanhar
(progresso), entender
stand out
sobresalir
se distinguer
sobressair, destacar-se
let on
dejar entrever, revelar
reveler a
dar com a lingua nos
dentes, contar
(segredo)
go wrong
salir mal
marcher mal,
ne pas marcher
dar errado, falhar
meet (someone)
halfway
llegar a un acuerdo
faire des concessions
fazer concess6es, entrar
em acordo
check up on
revisar, comprobar
verifier, examiner
investigar, verificar
stick up
sobresalir
ressortir
estar escetado (cabelo),
assa tar
come about
suceder, ocurrir
se produire
surgir, acontecer
bring about
causar, provocar
causer, provoquer
provocar, acarretar
build up
aumentar
se fortifier, renforcer
aumentar, desenvolver
die down
acabarse, apagarse
se calmer, s'eteindre
acalmar (tempestade,
vento), diminuir,
baixar (fogo,
chamas)
fade away
desaparecer poco
a poco
disparaitre peu
a peu
desaparecer
gradualmente
die out
desaparecer
disparaitre
desaparecer, extinguir-se
maki:: out
descifrar, entender
escribir
dechiffrer, ecrire
compreender, decifrar,
redigir
(documentos),
preencher (cheques)
Lesson 25
fazer algo
1mpunemente
Lesson 26
Appendix
255
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
live up to
cumplir, realizar
etre a la hauteur de
cumprir (promessa)
stick to
defender, mantener
firme
perseverer s'en
tenira
manter, sustentar,
seguir com algo
rip off
robar alguien (cobrar
demasiado), robo
voler, arnaquer,
filouter,
escroquerie
roubar alguem
(cobrando demais),
roubo (em pre~o)
stand up for
salir en defensa de
defendre
exigir, defender, apoiar
cut corners
economizar
reduire les depenses
economizar
take on
emplear,
responsa bilizarse
employer, engager
empregar, encarregar-se
de
take down
descolgar, bajar, tomar
nota de
decrocher, prendre
note de
tirar, descer, escrever,
tomar nota
fall through
fracasar
echouer
falhar, fracassar, dar em
nada
fall behind
atrasarse
prendre du retard,
etre en arriere
ficar para tras, atrasar
(pagamentos)
give m
darse por vencido,
rendirse
se rendre a, ceder
render-se, ceder
give off
producir, despedir
produire, exhaler
emitir, desprender
(vapores)
give out
repartir, acabarse
distribuer, etre epuise distribuir, esgotar-se,
acabar
have it in for
tenerselas juradas a
uno, tenerla cogida
con uno
en vouloir a
quelqu'un
quar~ar
have it out with
poner las cosas en
claro, ventilar un
asunto con alguien
regler quelque chose
tirar a limpo, por tudo
as claras
hold off
aguantar, aplazar
cesser, s' arreter,
retenir, retarder
atrasar, demorar
hold out
durar, ser suficiente,
resistir
durer, etre suffisant,
resister
resistir, durar
hold over
mantener, posponer
continuer a montrer
manter, adiar
disminuir, aflojar,
relajar
diminuer, relacher
diminuir, relaxar
Lesson 2z
rancor, ter
ra1va
Lesson 28
let up
256
Essential Idioms in English
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
lay off
parar, dejar cesante,
despedir
arreter, mettre au
chOmage
abster-se, reduzir,
dispensar
empregados
bring out
sacar, presentar
presenter, faire
paraitre
mostrar, apresentar
bring back
devolver
rapporter
devolver, trazer de volta
wait up for
esperar por, desvelarse
en espera de
attendre
ficar acordado
esperando alguem
leave alone
dejar tranquilo
laisser tranquille
deixar em paz
let alone
sm menc10nar
encore moms
quant? menos, quanto
ma1s
break off
terminar, finalizar
rompre les relations
avec
terminar, cortar
wear off
pasar, desaparecer
disparaitre (peu
a peu), s'user
passar (efeito, dor, etc.),
diminuir
gradualmente
wear down
gastar
user completement
gastar, corroer
on the whole
en general
en somme,
prendre
touch and go
arriesgado
risque, incertain
arriscado, incerto
work out
hacer ejercicio,
planear, resultar
s'exercer, elaborer
malhar, treinar,
planejar,
resultar
back up
dar marcha atras,
defender
faire marche arriere,
defendre
dar re, apoiar alguem,
retornar
back out
salir, retirarse, decidir
lo contrario
sortir, changer d'avis
retirar, voltar atras,
faltar a uma
promessa ou
compromisso
have one's heart
set vn
anhelar, ansiar
avoir envie de,
tenir a
desejar muito
.
.
a tout
rela~oes
de uma maneira geral
Lesson 22
buy up
adquirir, acaparar
faire l'achat total
comprar todo o estoque
buy out
comprar la parte de
acheter la part de
comprar a parte de
sell out
vender, liquidar
vendre, liquider
esgotar-se, liquidar,
trair
catch on
popularizarse, darse
cuenta, entender
devenir populaire,
y etre,
comprendre
virar moda, entender
Appendix
257
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
be cut out for
tener talento para
avoir l'etoffe de
ter talento para
throw out
echar, botar
jetter a la porte,
rejeter
jogar fora, expulsar
alguem, rejeitar
~roposta, projeto
e lei)
throw up
erigir, vomitar
eriger, vomir
erguer ou construir
rapidamente,
vomitar
clear up
aclarar, solucionar
s'eclaircir, clarifier,
resoudre
esclarecer, clarear,
melhorar (tempo)
slow down
ir mas despacio
ralentir
ir mais devagar,
diminuir a
velocidade
dry up
secarse completamente
secher
secar
dry out
secarse poco a poco
dessecher
secar, enxugar, parar
de beber
be up to
(something)
tener algo entre manos
machiner, combiner
estar ocupado em,
estar tramando algo
beat around
the bush
andarse con rodeos
tourner autour
du pot
falar ou responder com
rodeios
come to an end
terrninar, acabarse
se terminer
acabar, terminar
put an end to
darle fin a
faire cesser, mettre
un terme a
acabar com algo, por
fim a algo
get even with
vengarse
se venger
vingar-se de alguem
fool around
perder el tiempo,
bromear
perdre son temps
plaisanter
perder tempo, vadiar,
brincar
look out on
dar a
donner sur
dar para, ter vista sobre
stir up
provocar, incitar
exciter, pousser a,
agiter
provocar, instigar
take in
escuchar, engaiiar
voir, decevoir
visitar, diminuir,
enganar, iludir
go through
sufrir, consumir
souffrir, consumer
passar por, sofrer,
~astar, chegar ao
im de
go without saying
estar sobre entendido
il va sans dire que
subentender-se, ser
6bvio
Lesson 30
Lesson 3.1
258 Essential Idioms in English
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
put (someone) on
bromear, tomarle el
pelo (a alguien)
faire marcher
(quelqu'un)
brincar, enganar
keep one's head
mantener la calma
garder son sang froid manter a calma
lose one's head
perder la cabeza
perdre la tete
perder a cabec;a, perder
o controle
narrow-minded
de mirar estrechas
a !'esprit etroit
de mentalidade estreita,
tacanho
stand up
durar, dejar plantado
faire bon usage,
resister, poser un
lapin
durar, agiientar, dar o
cano em alguem
get the better of
aventajar
l'emporter sur
veneer, levar a melhor
break loose
soltarse, zafarse
se detacher de,
s'echapper,
s'evader
soltar-se, escapar
on edge
ansioso, irritable
enerve
nervoso, ansioso, tenso
waste one's breath
perder el tiempo
perdre son temps
falar em vao, perder
tempo em conversas
cut short
adelantar, reducir
couper court
reduzir, interromper
step in
intervenir, entrar
intervenir, entrer
intervir, entrar
step down
retirarse, renunciar
demissionner
afastar-se, demitir-se
step on
apurarse
se depecher
apressar-se, acelerar
a steal
una ganga
une occasion
uma pechincha,
neg6cio vantajoso
play up to
dar coba, adular
flatter
bajular
more or less
Casi, mas
presq~e,
Lesson 32
0
menos
plus ou
ma1s ou menos
moms
screw up
echar a perder
confundir
ruiner, giiter
confundir, estragar tudo
goof up
pifiar, fallar
faire une gaffe
dar uma mancada, dar
um fora
go off the deep end
montar en c6lera y
hacer algo
precipitadamente
s'emporter,
s'emballer
perder a cabec;a
lose one's touch
perder la mafia
perdre la main ou la
touche
perder o jeito de
under control
bajo control
avoir (quelque chose) sob controle
bien en main
Appendix
259
PORTUGUESE
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
drafc one's heels/
eet
flatar a su deber
mettre peu
d'entrain
kick (some thing)
around
debatir un asunto
ruminer, discuter
discutir, debater um
assunto
on the ball
alerta, listo
ale rte
estar ou ficar ligado,
atento
make up
compensar, inventar,
maquillarse
se ratrapper,
inventer,
se maquiller
compensar, criar,
inventar,
maquilar-se,
compor
make up with
reconciliarse
se reconcilier
fazer as pazes
pull together
calmarse
rassembler,
se calmer
colher (informa<;oes),
acalmar-se
be looking up
estar mejorando
etre a la hausse,
promettre
melhora, parecer
promissor
kick the habit
dejar un vicio
se debarasser
du vice
largar o vicio
cover up
encubrir
dissimuler
encobrir algo
drop off
dormirse,
entregar,
bajar ripido
s'endormir, livrer,
tomber
pegar no sono,
deixar alguem,
diminuir
turn over
poner al reves,
transferir
reverser, transferer
virar algo do outro
lado, capotar,
transferir algo para
alguem
go throufsh
channe s
hacer aio
debi amente
reshecter, suivre la
ierarchie
seguir os canais
competentes
last straw
el colmo
le comble
a ultima gota d'agua
get cold feet
acobardarse, rajarse
avoir la frousse
ficar com medo
trade in
canjear, cambiar
echanger
dar algo como parte do
pagamento
face-to-face
cara a cara
face
be with (someone)
estar de parte de,
acordar
etre avec quelqu'un
a
ser deliberadamente
lerdo, vagaroso,
mostrar-se relutante
lesson 33
lesson
260
3~
Essential Idioms in English
a face
cara a cara
concordar com,
entender ou seguir o
d~e afcuem esta
1zen o
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
be with it
estar alerta, en forma
se mettre
fall for
enamorarse, tragarselo,
caer en la trampa
tomber amoureux
de, se laisser
prendre a
apa1xonar-se,
ser enganado por
it figures
por supuesto, claro
c'est logiJue ou
norma
faz sentido
make (someone)
tick
motivar a
motiver, pousser
motivar alguem
cover for
asumir los deberes de
otra persona
couvrir, remplacer
substituir alguem,
proteger alguem
give (someone)
a break
darle oportunidad a
alguien
donner une chance
ou une
opportunite
dar uma oportunidade
a alguem, deixar
alguem em paz
bow out
salirse
demissionner
retirar-se
stick it out
aguantar, soportar
tenir le coup
agiientar, tolerar
rub it in
refregar por las narices
insister sur
insistir em assunto
desagradavel
rub the wrong way
caerle mal a alguien
prendre quelqu'un
a rebroussepoil
ofender ou irritar
alguem
get a rise out of
causar enojo a alguien
mettre en colere
irritar, provocar
alguem
hang around
quedarse a esperar
attendre
ficar esperando,
ficar a toa
pick up the tab
pagar la cuenta
offrir l'addition
pagar as despesas,
arcar com as
despesas
by the way
de paso,
incidentalmente
a propos, au fait
por falar nisso,
a prop6sito
let slide
evitar una
responsabilidad
negliger, laisser aller
les choses
deixar passar,
desinteressar-se de
search me
jQue a mi no me
pregunten!
ne pas avoir la
moindre idee
Sei la!
get off one's chest
desahogarse
de baller
desabafar, dizer o que
sente
live it up
darse vida de rico
mener la belle vie
aproveitar a vida
liven up
animar
egayer
animar-se, alegrar algo
have a say/voice in
tener voz en algun
as unto
av01r vo1x au
chapitre
ter voz ativa em algo
PORTUGUESE
a la mode
estar atento, alerta
Lesson 35
Appendix
261
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
out of the question
ni hablar
hors de question
impossivel, fora de
have to do with
tener que ver con
avoir quelque chose
a voir avec
ter a ver com, dizer
respeito a
check in
llegar a un hotel
fazer o registro de
s'inscrire sur le
entrada
registre d'un hotel
check out
pagar la cuenta de un
hotel
regler son comhte en
quittant un . otel
fazer o resgistro de
saida, investigar,
examinar
take one at one's
word
creer
incondiciona lmente
prendre quelqu'un
au mot
levar alguem a serio,
confiar em alguem
serve one's purpose
ser de utilidad,
convenirle a
faire l' affaire
ser util, vir a calhar
cop out
evadir una
responsabilid ad
renoncer a,
eviter ses
responsabilit es
voltar atris, faltar a
uma prorr:iessa ou
comprom1sso
line up
preparar algo o alguien
s'aligner, preparer
fazer fila, arranjar
lose one's cool
perder la calma
perdre son
sang-froid
perder a calma
leave open
dejar pendiente
laisser en suspens
deixar pendente
miss the boat
perder una
oportunidad
rater !'occasion
perder uma
oportunidade
think up
inventar
inventer
inventar, criar
throw (someone)
a curve
confundir, cogerlo a
uno desprevenido
confondre, prendre
au depourvu
confundir, pegar alguem
desprevenido
make waves
romper la calma,
estorbar el orden
faire des histoires
perturbar a calma ou
a ordem
carry on
continuar
continuer
continuar, levar avante,
proceder de modo
estranho
not on your life
ni hablar de eso
jamais de la vie
de forma alguma,
nunca, nem por um
decreto
cover ground
llevar mucho a cabo
couvrir beaucoup
de terrain
cobrir uma materia
throw the book at
castigar severamente
etre Strict
put one's foot in
meter la pata
mettre !es pieds clans
le plat
ENGLISH
Lesson 36
cogita~ao
Lesson 37
262 Essential Idioms in English
OU
dur
punir severamente
cometer uma gafe, dar
um fora
ENGLISH
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
be up for grabs
estar disponible, facil
de obtener
etre disponible
estar disponivel
show off
jactarse
craner, faire
parade de
mostrar-se, exibir-se
learn the ropes
aprender las rutinas
apprendre son
affaire
aprender, assimilar a
rotina
have under one's
belt
tener (algo) controlado
avoir (quelque chose) ter emplacado algo
contr6le
keep one's fingers
crossed
ojala que asi sea
avoir bon espoir
ficar torcendo para
que algo de certo
land on one's feet
caer de pie como un
gato
retomber sur ses
pi eds
safar-se, dar um jeito
dish out
dar algo en
abundancia,
derrochar, dar
a manos llenas
servir, critiquer
dar algo em grande
quantidade, criticar
alguem
get through to
hacer entender
a alguien
faire comprendre
a quelqu'un
fazer alguem entender
algo
keep one's word
cumplir lo prometido
tenir sa parole
cumprir a palavra
be in over one's
head
estar abrumado
etre accable depasse
estar atolado de
trabalho, estar acima
da compreensao de
alguem
ask for
merecer algun castigo
o contrariedad
meriter une punition
adversite
procurar problema,
procurar sarna pra
se co<;:ar
be a far cry from
ser muy distinto
etre tres different
ser muito diferente de
by all means
definitivamente
bien sur
sem duvida, certamente
get out from under
salir a flote
surmonter ses pertes
sair de situa<;:6es
financeiras dificeis
take the bull
by the horns
enfrentarse con
etre determine,
decisif
enfrentar diretamente
as dificuldades ou a
situa<;:ao
give (someone)
a hand
echar una mano
donne! un coup de
ma ms
dar uma ajuda, dar
uma maozinha para
alguem
give (someone)
a big hand
aplaudir
applaudir
chaudement
aplaudir efusivamente
Lesson 38
Appendix
263
SPANISH
FRENCH
PORTUGUESE
behind one's back
a espaldas de uno
derriere son dos,
a son insu
por detras, nas costas
de alguem, em
segredo
talk back to
protestar
retorquer
responder a alguem
(de maneira
desrespeitosa)
be in
estar a la moda
etre
be out
estar fuera de moda
hors de mode
draw the line at
definir el lfmite en
se refuser
get out of line
desobedecer
desobeir
desobedecer, sair da
linha
dry run
ensayo
faire des essais ou
des epreuves
ensaio
play by ear
tocar algo de ofdo
jouer par oreille
tocar de ouvido
be in (someone's)
shoes
estar en la posici6n
de otro
etre a la place
d'un autre
colocar-se na situac,;iio
de alguem
keep after
recordar
constanteme nte
rappeler
continuellement,
harceler
ficar no pe, azucrinar
fix up
arreglar, concertar una
cita
reparer, assigner un
rendezvous
consertar, organizar,
acertar (um
encontro, uma
viagem, etc.)
be had
ser engafiado, timado,
estafado
etre roule, trompe,
dupe, vole
ser enganado
ENGLISH
Lesson 32
264 Essential Idioms in English
a la page
a
estar na moda, estar
disponfvel,
desocupado
estar fora de moda, niio
estar no trabalho
ou em casa
definir o limite, apontar
0 limite do que e
aceitavel
ANS
KEY
Lesson
A.
1
1.
b
2.
b
3. a
4. b
5. c
B. turns off I right away I gets up
puts on
Lesson
6. a
7. c
8. b
9. c
10.
b
I sooner or later I turns on I takes off I
2
A.
1.
B.
dress up I looking for I tired out
spent ... time /all along
c
2.
c
3. a
4. b
5. c
6. a
7. b
8. b
9. b
10.
a
I never mind I looking at I found out I
Lesson 3
A.
1.
B.
by yourself I take out
with I sit down
a
2.
c
3. b
4. b
5. b
6. a
7. c
8. b
9. c
10.
a
I all ... long I on purpose I talk over I get along
Lesson 4
A.
1.
B.
wait on
c
2.
a
3. c
4. a
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. b
9. b
10.
a
10.
b
i at all I so far I at least I take a walk I think ... over
Lesson 5
A.
1.
B.
get back
put off
b
2.
a
3. c
4. b
5. a
6. b
7. a
8. b
9. c
I in a hurry I make up my mind I gotten over I for the time being I
Lesson 6
A.
1.
B.
go on I have ... time off I all of a sudden
liang up
a
2.
b
3. c
4. c
5. b
6. a
7. a
8. c
9. b
10.
c
I hang out I make friends I
Answer Key
265
Lesson 7
A. 1. c
2.
3. a
b
B. had better
4. a
5. c
6. c
7. c
8. b
9. b
10.
a
I would rather I figure out I point out I think ... of I in time to
Lesson 8
A. 1. b
2.
a
3. c
4. b
5. a
6. c
7. b
8. c
9. a
B. worn out I over and over again I go out I throw ... away
question / have to do with I fallen in love
10.
b
I out of the
Lesson 9
A.
1.
a
2.
B. wake up
Lesson
c
3. c
4. b
5. a
6. a
7. b
8. c
9. b
10.
b
I am used to I in no time I be in charge of I have a good time
10
A. 1. b
2.
c
3. b
4. b
5. a
6. b
B. get rid of I go with I make good time
by heart I make sure
7. c
8. a
9. b
10.
a
I first-rate I make a ... impression I
Lesson 11
A. 1. a
2.
c
3. b
4. a
5. b
6. a
7. c
8. b
B. keep out I get through I do ... over I from now on
to I find fault with I ill at ease I get carried away
9. a
10.
c
I keep away from I up
Lesson 12
A. 1. b
2.
a
3. c
4. a
5. c
6. c
7. a
8. a
9. b
10.
a
B. broke out I burned down I for one thing I out of date I burned up or ticked
off/ as for I feel sorry for I stands to reason I up-to-date
Lesson 13
A. 1. a
2.
a
3. b
B. turns out I have on
granted I comes to
266
4. c
5. c
6. c
7. a
8. a
9. b
10.
c
I broke down I once in a blue moon I calls for I take for
I take into account
Essential Idioms in English
Collocations
going I like I of the question I of control I free I funny I it I of date
Review: Lessons 1-13
A. 1. d 2. I 3. a 4. g 5. f 6. I 7. k
12.
9. c
e
10.
11.
h
j
B.
F 2. F 3.
12. F
C.
1..
1..
for
8. b
T
4. T
5. F 6. T
to look at 2. to look into
6. Look out
7. F
3. to look up
8. T
9. F
10. T
4. looked over
11. T
5. look
D.
to take place 2. take hold of 3. take your time 4. took out 5. to
take part in 6. to take into account 7. take turns 8. take off 9. to
take a trip
E.
1.
1.
get rid of 2. got used to 3. to get over 4. to get on; get off
5. get out of; get in 6. to get along with 7. gets up; gets to; gets back
Lesson 14
A.
1.
c
2.
a
3. b
4. a
5. c 6. c
7. a
8. b
9. b
10.
a
2.
c
3. a
4. b
5. a
6. c
7. a
8. c 9. b
10.
c
2.
c
3. c
4. b
5. b
6. b
7. c 8. c 9. b
10.
a
2.
b
3. a
4. c
5. a
6. c
7. a
8. b
9. b
10.
a
2.
a
3. a
4. a
5. b
6. b
7. c
8. b
9. a
10.
c
2.
a
3. b
4. b
5. c
6. a
7. a
8. b
9. b
10.
c
Lesson 15
A.
1.
c
Lesson 16
A.
1.
b
Lesson 17
A.
1.
a
Lesson 18
A.
1.
c
Lesson 19
A.
1.
b
Answer Key
267
Lesson 20
A.
1.
c
2.
a
3. b
4. b
5. a
6. b
7. c
8. b
9. a
10.
b
2.
a
3. b
4. c
5. c
6. a
7. b
8. b
9. a
10.
c
2.
c
3. b
4. a
5. b
6. c
7. b
8. a
9. b
10.
a
2.
b
3. b
4. c
5. b
6. a
7. a
8. c
9. b
10.
c
2.
c
3. b
4. a
5. a
6. b
7. b
8. c
9. b
10.
c
2.
c
3. a
4. a
5. b
6. b
7. c
8. a
9. c
10.
a
2.
c
3. a
4. a
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. b
9. b
10.
c
2.
a
3. b
4. b
5. c
6. b
7. b
8. a
9. a
10.
c
Lesson 21
A.
1.
b
Lesson 22
A.
1.
a
Lesson 23
A.
1.
c
Lesson 24
A.
1.
c
Lesson 25
A.
1.
c
Lesson 26
A.
1.
b
Lesson 27
A.
1.
c
Collocations
place I sides I the law I your pick I a habit I the story I care
Review: Lessons 14-27
A. 1. i 2. c 3. k 4. e 5.
12.
268
g
6. l 7. b
8. d
9. j
10.
a
11.
f
h
F 3. T 4. T 5. T 6. T 7. F 8. F 9. T
B.
1.
2.
(.
1.
close call
T
12. T
2.
called it a day
Essential Idioms in English
3. calls for
4. calls
10.
T
11.
T
D. 1. make a difference 2. to make fun of 3. made good time 4. make
sense 5. to make do 6. make sure 7. make out 8. make ... clear
9. to make the best of
E.
put away 2. put up with 3. put on
put down 7. to put together
1.
4. put out
5. put off
6. to
Collocations
quiet
I in mind I it with I his name I to the subject I his throat I the change
Review: Lessons 28-39
A. 1. e 2.
3. a 4. f 5. g 6. b 7. k 8. l 9. d
12.
h
10.
11.
c
j
B.
T 2. F 3. T
12. T
C.
gave birth to 2. to give me a break 3. give and take 4. give me a
hand 5. gave him/her a big hand 6. gave out 7. is giving off
8. gave up or gave in 9. give in
D.
to keep his head 2. to keep up with 3. to keep track of 4. to keep
after 5. keep your word 6. keep in touch with 7. to keep away
8. to keep in mind 9. keep our fingers crossed
E.
1.
1.
4. F 5. T 6. T 7. F 8. F 9. F
10.
T
11.
F
1.
1.
went off 2. went over 3. touch and go 4. to go around 5. went
through 6. go wrong 7. goes of the deep end 8. goes without saying
9. goes with
Answer Key
269
The number refers to the page on which the idiom or
collocation is first introduced. An (R) indicates an idiom that
appears in a 11esson as a related form.
,.·
a lost cause 100
a steal 185
above all 100
according to 103
ahead of time 30
all along 9
all at once (R) 30
all (day, week, month,
year) long 14
all in all 108
all of a sudden 30
all right 9
as a matter of fact 84
as for 63
as of yet (R) 19
as soon as 43
as to (R) 63
as usual 8
ask for 216
at all 18
at first 5
at heart 105
at last 8
at least 18
at once (R) 4
attend to (R) 51
back and forth 45
back out 170
back up 170
be a far cry from 216
be about to 38
be better off 119
be bound to 103
be cut out for 172
be had 222
bein 220
be in charge of 43
be in on (R) 18
be in over one's head 216
be in (someone's) shoes 221
be in the/one's way 109
be into 131
be looking up 191
be out 220
be over 33
be the matter 113
be through (R) 33
be up 33
be up for grabs 211
be up to 55
be up to (something) 175
be up to one's ears (R) 216
be used to 44
be well-off 119
be well-to-do (R) 119
be with (someone) 195
be with it 196
be worse off (R) 119
bear in mind (R) 94
beat around the bush 175
beats me (R) 201
become of 98
behind one's back 220
believe in 137
bite off 108
blow out 98
blow up 61
bow out 197
break a habit 156
break a story 157
break down 67
break in 99
break loose 181
break off 166
break one's word (R) 215
break out 63
break the law 157
break the news 113
break through to (R) 215
break up (with) 40
bring about 146
bring back 165
bring out 165
bring up 113
bring upon oneself (R) 216
broad-minded (R) 181
brush up on 38
bug (R) 130
build up 146
bump into (R) 135
burn down 62
burn out 62
burn up 62
burst out 140
buy out 171
buy up 171
by all means 216
by far 114
by heart 51
by oneself 14
by the way 201
call (R) 124
call for 69
call it a day/night 34
Index
271
call off 24
carry on 210
carry out 135
catch a cold 23
catch fire 62
catch on 171
catch up 110
change one's mind 24
check in 205
check into (R) 56
check on (R) 142
check out 205
check over (R) 29
check up on 142
checkup [noun] (R) 142
cheer up 137
clean out 132
clear a space 225
clear cut 68
clear (one's) throat 225
clear (someone's) name 225
clear (something) with
(someone) 225
clear up 172
close call 130
close shave (R) 130
come about 146
come across 124
come from 50
come off (R) 124
come out (R) 67
come to 69
come to an end 176
come true 84
come up to (R) 118
come up with 5
cop out 206
copout [noun] (R) 206
count on 28
cover for 196
cover ground 211
cover up 191
coverup [noun] (R) 191
crack down on 44
cross one's mind 125
cross out 67
cut and dried 83
cut back on (R) 44
cut corners 148
cut down on 44
cut in (R) 99
cut off 94
cut out 95
cut short 182
272 Essential Idioms in English
day after day (R) 110
day in and day out 110
depend on (R) 28
die down 146
die out 147
dish out 215
do away with (R) 176
do over 56
do without 103
drag one's heels/feet 187
draw the line at 221
draw up 136
dream up (R) 207
dress up 8
drive up to (R) 118
drop by (R) 124
drop in on (R) 124
drop off 192
drop out of 136
drop (someone) a line 124
dropout[noun] (R) 136
dry out 175
dry run 221
dry up 175
eat in 83
eat out 83
every other (one) 49
face-to-face 195
fade away 146
fall behind 151
. fall for 196
fall in love 3 9
fall off (R) 192
fall through 151
feel free 73
feel funny 73
feel like 83
feel like (something) 73
feel out of it (R) 196
feel sorry for 63
fifty-fifty 99
figure out 34
fill in 88
fill out 88
find fault with 55
find out 8
first-rate 50
fix up 222
fool around 176
for certain (R) 103
for good 24
for now (R) 24
for once 94
for one thing 63
for sure 103
for the most part (R) 167
for the time being 24
from now on 57
from time to time (R) 49
get a rise out of 200
get along (with) 14
get away 140
get away with 140
get back 23
get back on one's feet (R) 215
get behind (R) 151
get better, etc. 34
get carried away 57
get cold feet 195
get even with 176
get going 73
get in 13
get in the/one's way (R) 109
get into (R) 131
get it 73
get lost 114
get off 3
get off one's chest 202
get on 3
get on one's nerves 130
get one's way (R) 84
get out from under 216
get out of 3
get out of line 221
get over 23
get rid of 49
get sick, tired, etc. 34
get the better of 181
get through 5 6
get through to 215
get to 28
get up 5, 13
get used to 45
get with it (R) 196
give (someone) a big
hand 217
give (someone) a break 197
give (someone) a call 124
give (someone) a hand 217
give and take 136
give birth to 130
give in 151
give off 152
give out 152
give up 67
go along with (R) 195
go around l 09
go for 131
go off 94
go off the deep end 186
go on 29
go out 39
go out (with) (R) 15, 39
go over 104
go over (R) 29
go overboard (R) 57
go through 180
go through channels 192
go through with (R) 135
go together 5 0
go up 118
go up to 118
go with 50
go without (R) 103
go without saying 180
go wrong 142
goof around (R) 176
goof off (R) 176
goof up 186
grow out of 94
had better 34
hand in 118
hand out (R) 108
handout (noun] (R) 108
hang around 200
hang on (R) 120
hang out 28
hang up 28
have a good time 43
have a say in 202
have a seat (R) 14
have a voice in (R) 202
have got 98
have got to 98
have in mind 93
have it in for 152
have it out with 152
have on 68
have one's heart set on 170
have one's way 84
have (time) off 29
have to (R) 98
have to do with 205
have under one's belt 212
head out (R) 136
hear from 84
hear
hold
hold
hold
hold
hold
hold
hold
of 84
a grudge against (R) 152
off 152
on 120
out 153
over 15 3
still 113
up 114
ill at ease 56
in a hurry 25
in a rush (R) 25
in case 118
in fact (R) 84
in no time 43
in the least (R) 18
in the long run 90
in time to 33
in touch 90
in vain 110
inside out 88
it figures 196
keep after 222
keep an eye on (R) 83
keep away (from) 55
keep in mind 94
keep on (R) 29
keep one's fingers crossed 212
keep one's head 180
keep one's word 215
keep out 55
keep quiet 225
keep (something) in mind 225
keep the change 226
keep to the subject 226
keep track of 57
keep up 141
keep up with 99, 141
kick (something) around 190
kick the habit 191
kiss up to (R) 186
Index
273
knock it off (R) 95
knock oneself out 135
knock out 135
knockout [noun] (R) 135
land on one's feet 215
last straw 192
lay off 165
lay out (R) 136
learn the ropes 212
leave an impression (R) 51
leave open 206
leave (someone or
something) alone 166
lend someone a hand (R) 217
let alone 166
let alone (R) 166
let go (R) 165
let on 141
let slide 201
let up 165
lie down 13
line up 206
little by little 9
live it up 202
liveupto 147
liven up 202
look after 83
look at 8
look down on 126
look for 8
look forward to 85
look into 56
look like (R) 89
look on 125
look out 23
look out on 177
look over 29
look up 18
look up to 126
lookout [noun] 177
lose one's cool 206
lose one's head 181
lose one's touch 186
make a difference (to) 14
make an impression 51
make certain (R) 49
make clear 68
make do 130
make friends 28
make fun of 84
make good time 50
make out 147
make sense 13 7
make (someone) tick 196
make sure 49
make the best of 94
make up 190
make up one's mind 24
make up with 190
make waves 210
matter to (R) 14
meet (someone) halfway 142
mess up (R) 186
miss the boat 207
mix up 50
more or less 186
much less (R) 166
274 Essential Idioms in English
name after 120
narrow-minded 181
never mind 9
no matter 89
no way (R) 210
no wonder 115
not on your life 210
not to mention (R) 166
now and then 49
of course (R) 216
on edge 182
on hand 105
on one's toes 93
on purpose 14
on the ball 190
on the other hand 99
on the whole 167
on time 33
once and for all 83
once in a blue moon 67
once in a while (R) 49
open-minded (R) 181
out of control 74
out of date 61, 73
out of order 28
out of the question 205
out of touch 90
over and over (again) 39
pass out 108
pay attention (to) 38
pick out 13
pick up 4
pick up (R) 202
pick up the tab 201
play by ear 221
play up to 186
point out 33
pull off 126
pull over (R) 126
pull together 191
put an end to 176
put away 20
put down 130
put off 24
put on 3, 109
put one's foot in 211
put out 29
put (someone) on 180
put together 119
put up 109
put up with 109
quite a few 44
read over (R) 29
right away 4
rip off (R) 147
ripoff [noun] (R) 147
rub it in 200
rub the wrong way 200
rule out 114
run across (R) 124
run away 114
run into 135
run out (R) 152
run out of 104
run up to (R) 118
save one's breath (R) 182
screw around (R) 176
screw up 186
search me 201
see about 51
see eye to eye 9 3
see off 115
see out 115
see to (R) 51
sell out 171
send off (R) 115
serve (someone) right 140
serve (the/one's) purpose 206
set off (R) 136
set out 136
set out to 136
shake hands 23
show off 212
show up 132
show the ropes (R) 212
showoff [noun] (R) 212
shut off (R) 4
shut up 98
sit down 14
slip up (R) 186
slow down 175
so far 19
sober up (R) 175
sooner or later 4
spend time 9
stand a chance 125
stand for 125
stand out 141
stand up 13, 181
stand up for 148
stands to reason 63
stay away (from) (R) 55
stay in 131
stay out (R) 131
stay up 131
step by step (R) 9
step down 185
step in 185
step into (R) 185
step on it 185
step out (R) 39
step out of line (R) 221
stick around (R) 200
stick it out 197
stick out (R) 141
stick to 147
stick up 142
stir up 177
stop by 124
storm out (R) 140
straighten out (R) 172
stress out 120
switch off (R) 4
switch on (R) 4
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
take
a look 156
a seat (R) 14
a trip 19
a walk, hike, etc. 19
advantage of 89
after 89
apart 119
back (R) 165
by surprise 120
care 156
care of (R) 83
down 151
for 103
take for granted 68
take hold of 5 6
take in 177
take into account 68
take it easy (R) 165
take off 3, 126
take on 151
take one at one's word 205
take one's time 13
take one's word for it (R) 205
take out 15
take over 131
take part in 18
take pity on (R) 63
take place 19, 156
take sides 15 6
take the bull by the horns 217
take time off (R) 29
take turns 3 8
take up 89
take up with 89
take your pick 156
takeoff [noun] (R) 126
talk back to 220
talk over 13
tear down 104
tear up 104
tell apart 108
tell from (R) 108
think of 35
think over 19
think up 207
throw away 39
throw out 172
throw (someone) a curve 210
throw the book at 211
thro.w up 172
tick off (R) 62
time after time (R) 39
time and again (R) 39
tire out 9
toss around (R) 190
touch and go 167
trade in 195
Index
275
trade-in [noun] (R) 195
try on 19
try out 104
turn around 38
turn down 99
turn off 4
turn on 4
turn out 67
turn over 192
turn up (R) 132
turnout [noun] (R) 67
under control 187
up to date 61
up to now (R) 19
upside down 88
use up (R) 180
used to 44
wait on 18
wait up for 166
wake up 43
walk up to (R) 118
want out (R) 197
waste one's breath 182
watch one's step 93
watch out 23
watch what one says/does 93
wear away (R) 166
wear down 166
wear off 166
wear out 39
wear out (R) 9
work out 170
workout [noun] 170
would just as soon (R) 34
would rather 34
year after year (R) 110
year in and year out (R) 110
276
Essential Idioms in English
(